The Parker Solar Probe Survives Record-Breaking Encounter with the Sun

The Parker Solar Probe, enduring temperatures of up to 980°C, has successfully reestablished communication with Earth.

On December 24, the spacecraft set two remarkable records: it achieved the closest-ever approach to the Sun, at just 6.1 million kilometers, and the highest speed ever reached by a human-made object, a staggering 692,000 km/h.

During this daring mission, Parker faced extreme conditions, with its systems subjected to intense solar heat. Communication with the probe was briefly interrupted, leaving its status uncertain.

Late on December 26 (Eastern European Time), the mission control team at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory received a “beacon tone,” confirming that the spacecraft is safe and fully operational. Detailed telemetry about Parker’s condition is expected by January 1.

Did you know?

Most species of bees can only fly during the day. In darkness, they are limited to crawling.

Why? At night, the vast majority of flowers either stop or drastically reduce nectar production. Additionally, bees rely on the Sun for navigation, as their eyes are adapted to perceive polarized light.

🤖 Competition Drives ChatGPT to Cheat?

Researchers at Palisade Research set OpenAI’s neural network, o1, to play chess against the AI grandmaster, Stockfish. Realizing its opponent’s overwhelming strength, the model decided not to play fair.

Instead, o1 found a way to manipulate game files, inflating its score by 500 points to secure “victories.” Faced with the rigged score, Stockfish simply resigned.

#AI

Earthrise Captured by the Orion Spacecraft

NASA’s Orion spacecraft has delivered an awe-inspiring Earthrise — a mesmerizing short video showing Earth rising above the Moon’s horizon. This visual masterpiece was recorded during the Artemis I mission and serves as a powerful reminder of our planet’s beauty when seen from deep space.

Orion, a key element of NASA’s Artemis program, is paving the way for humanity’s return to the Moon and eventual exploration of Mars. During its 2022 uncrewed mission, it set a record by traveling over 430,000 km from Earth — farther than any spacecraft designed for humans.

#science #space

🎉 Happy New Year, Dear Science Enthusiasts! 🎆

As we step into 2025, we look back on a year filled with remarkable discoveries, groundbreaking research, and endless curiosity. Together, we’ve explored the mysteries of the universe, uncovered the secrets of our planet, and celebrated the brilliance of human ingenuity.

💡 This New Year, let’s continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and ignite the spark of discovery in each of us. Whether you’re an avid reader, a curious learner, or a dedicated researcher, your passion fuels the incredible world of science.

🌍 May 2025 bring us more awe-inspiring breakthroughs, exciting challenges, and opportunities to make a difference through science. Here’s to a year of innovation, collaboration, and wonder!

Stay curious, stay inspired, and thank you for being part of our growing community. 🚀

With warm wishes,
Your @Science Channel Team

Here’s the true Lord of the Rings!

1SWASP J1407 b is an exoplanet or possibly a small star located in the constellation Centaurus, approximately 433.8 light-years from Earth.

Its ring system is not only the first discovered beyond our Solar System but also the largest ever observed. The radius of its largest ring is estimated at a staggering 90 million kilometers. For comparison, Saturn’s largest ring measures only about 480,000 kilometers in radius.

With a mass roughly 20 times that of Jupiter, scientists are still debating how to classify 1SWASP J1407 b. It might be an extremely large exoplanet or a small star—specifically, a brown dwarf.
#science #space

China has topped the global rankings in IQ testing, securing the first position. Russia claims the 6th spot, while the United States ranks 27th. Among European countries, Ukraine holds the lowest position at 78th place.

The Sun gazes sternly.
📷 Abdulmohsen Alreesh

#space #science

40 years ago, American Airlines introduced the “Golden Ticket”—a lifetime pass for unlimited first-class flights.

For $250,000, customers could purchase the AAirpass, granting them the privilege of flying first-class as often as they wanted, for life. For an additional $150,000, they could get the same pass for a companion.

In 1987, Steve Rothstein bought one of these “golden tickets.” Over the next 20 years, he took 10,000 flights, costing the airline $21 million. His travel record was extraordinary: 500 flights to England, 70 to Australia, and 120 to Japan. Sometimes, he booked tickets under fake names, such as “Bag Rothstein,” if he wasn’t sure who his companion would be. This behavior ultimately led to accusations of misuse, and in 2008, the airline revoked his pass.

By the time American Airlines discontinued the sale of these “golden tickets” in 2004, the price had risen to $3 million.

#science #history #aviation

A study conducted by the University of Central Florida has revealed that symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifest more prominently when watching videos that require the brain’s executive functions to engage actively.

Researchers observed college students with ADHD as they watched two types of videos. When viewing the high-action podracing scene from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the students displayed relatively minimal body movement. However, while watching an educational math video, the participants began to fidget noticeably—shifting in their chairs, tapping their feet, and squirming.

This research highlights how different types of content can influence physical restlessness in individuals with ADHD.

#science

These fascinating stones can be found on the ice of Lake Baikal near the Sarma Gorge.

During the day, the stones absorb sunlight and melt the ice beneath them. As night falls, the water refreezes, and the wind forms a thin pedestal of ice supporting the stone. This phenomenon is often referred to as ‘Baikal Zen.’