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Quake in the Ground, Ripples in the Sky: Earthquakes Can Disrupt Space Too, Japanese Scientists Reveal
When a powerful earthquake shakes the Earth, the effects don’t stop at the surface. According to a groundbreaking new study from Nagoya University in Japan, shockwaves from a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on the Noto Peninsula (January 1, 2024) not only damaged infrastructure on land — they rippled all the way into space, disrupting satellite signals by disturbing the ionosphere, a crucial part of Earth’s upper atmosphere. The research, published in Earth, Planets and Space, marks the first-ever 3D visualisation of earthquake-driven atmospheric disturbances, using signal delay data from over 4,500 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers across Japan. 🌌 What Is the Ionosphere and Why Does It Matter? 🌍 Earthquake Sends Sound Waves Skyward The earthquake generated low-frequency sound waves that travelled vertically into the atmosphere, creating ripples in ionized particles. These disruptions slowed down satellite signals, allowing scientists to track the timing and strength of the disturbances and reconstruct a 3D map of the ionosphere’s reaction — a method similar to a medical CT scan. 🌊 Surprising Ripples in the Sky Roughly 10 minutes after the quake, wave-like patterns appeared in the ionosphere, resembling ripples on a pond. But researchers noticed something unusual: 🔍 A Fault-Line Revelation Lead author Dr. Weizheng Fu and his team revised the model by factoring in the 150-kilometre fault line along which the earthquake ruptured. Rather than a single origin point, the sound waves were generated along the fault line, with different sections rupturing about 30 seconds apart. This new model perfectly matched the strange, tilted wave patterns seen in the ionosphere — changing how scientists understand the atmospheric impact of large seismic events. 📡 Why This Matters In short: when Earth rumbles, space listens — and now, thanks to this study, we can finally see how.
Giant Asteroid the Size of a Skyscraper to Fly Past Earth on Friday
A massive asteroid — roughly as tall as the Eiffel Tower — will safely zoom past Earth this Friday, May 24, offering a striking reminder of the constant activity in our solar system. 🪨 About the Asteroid: 📍 Origin & Path: 387746 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids — a category known for orbits that intersect Earth’s path. These space rocks are monitored carefully due to their potential to come close to our planet. Though 2003 MH4 will not collide with Earth, its proximity — on an astronomical scale — is enough to capture the attention of scientists and sky-watchers alike. The asteroid’s flyby is being tracked by space agencies around the world to refine orbital models and prepare for future near-Earth objects. 🌌 Why It Matters: While this encounter poses no threat, it serves as a reminder of Earth’s vulnerability in a dynamic cosmos. Events like this help improve early-warning systems and deepen our understanding of the space environment that surrounds us. So, while your evening may feel calm, remember: the universe is always moving — and sometimes, very close by.
Deepika Padukone Exits Prabhas-Starrer Spirit Amid Reports of Fee Dispute
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, who was reportedly set to earn her highest-ever fee of ₹20 crore for her role in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit, is no longer part of the project. The film, starring Prabhas, is a pan-India action drama and was expected to mark a major collaboration between two of Indian cinema’s biggest names. Initial reports had sparked excitement among fans, especially with the pairing of Prabhas and Deepika under Vanga’s intense storytelling style. However, according to a report by Gulte, the actress has opted out of the film following multiple disagreements reportedly stemming from her “high demands.” Sources close to the production have gone as far as to label her demands “unprofessional,” though specifics remain undisclosed. The development has led to speculation about who might now replace her as the female lead in the ambitious project. Spirit continues to be one of the most anticipated films in Prabhas’ upcoming lineup, and a formal announcement from the makers regarding the casting change is awaited.
