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A new study proposes that life may exist far from sunlight in a “radiolytic habitable zone” deep beneath the icy surfaces of Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. Cosmic rays, which can penetrate rock and ice, break water molecules apart to release hydrogen, oxygen, and energy-rich electrons. These can fuel microbes in subsurface water, much like bacteria living deep below Earth. Simulations show Enceladus has the strongest potential for such life, followed by Mars and Europa. This expands the search for life to darker, colder environments—even on rogue planets adrift in space.

Two new studies from UC Santa Cruz propose that dark matter may have originated from a hidden mirror world or been radiated into existence by the universe’s expanding cosmic horizon. These theories, rooted in established physics, challenge traditional models and suggest dark matter could exist without interacting with ordinary matter, redefining one of modern science’s greatest mysteries.

After a 22-day period of solar calm, the Sun unleashed three M-class solar flares on August 3–4, 2025, all originating from active sunspot region AR 4168. These moderate flares released intense radiation, capable of briefly disrupting high-frequency radio signals and potentially sparking auroras at high latitudes. Scientists also detected likely coronal mass ejections, which may graze Earth.

In a recent study published on July 24 via arXiv, astronomers from Wuhan University have detailed the powerful X-ray outburst of the Be/X-ray binary system RX J0440.9+4431. Using China’s Insight-HXMT satellite, the team tracked the event from its eruption in December 2022 through March 2023.

The James Webb Space Telescope has re-imaged part of Hubble’s Ultra Deep Field, revealing over 2,500 galaxies in stunning infrared detail. Using its NIRCam and MIRI instruments, Webb observed faint galaxies dating back to just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. This is part of the JADES survey, which includes the deepest mid-infrared image ever taken and redshift measurements for 178 early-universe galaxies.

At 3:46 a.m. EDT, Crew-11 entered the International Space Station after the SpaceX Dragon hatch opened, officially joining Expedition 73. The arrival, streamed live on NASA+, highlighted ongoing international collaboration and commercial spaceflight efforts. NASA’s social platforms shared visuals of the crew’s welcome, reinforcing transparency and public engagement in human space exploration.

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A solar sail spacecraft could extend space weather warnings from 40 to 60 minutes, offering vital lead time before solar storms strike. Part of the SWIFT mission, this satellite will orbit farther than any current monitor, using sunlight for propulsion. The system aims to better protect satellites, astronauts, and power grids from geomagnetic disruptions caused by solar eruptions.

New research based on New Horizons’ decade-old data has uncovered extensive bladed terrain made of methane ice on Pluto. These towering spires, arranged in spaced-out, parallel rows, are likely shaped by seasonal condensation and sublimation cycles. While the terrain spans over half the planet’s midsection, five times the width of continental USA, scientists remain unsure of its uniformity.

Blue Origin’s 14th crewed spaceflight, NS-34, lifted off from West Texas on August 3, 2025. This symbolic flight marked the long-postponed space journey of Justin Sun, crypto billionaire and founder of Tron. Joined by adventurers and professionals from different corners of the world, including India and Puerto Rico, the mission highlighted global participation in private space travel.