In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
NASA's James Webb Telescope Observes Disintegrating Exoplanets

In a groundbreaking achievement, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has, for the first time, directly observed two exoplanets in the process of disintegration. These observations provide unprecedented insights into the internal compositions and life cycles of distant worlds.
Key Observations:
Identification of Disintegrating Exoplanets:
- The JWST has detected two exoplanets exhibiting significant mass loss, shedding their outer layers into space.
- The JWST has detected two exoplanets exhibiting significant mass loss, shedding their outer layers into space.
Mechanism of Disintegration:
- The intense heat from the host stars causes the planets' surfaces to vaporize, leading to the formation of tails composed of gas and dust, reminiscent of comets.
Scientific Significance:
- These observations offer a rare opportunity to study the internal compositions of exoplanets, enhancing our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.
Collaborative Efforts:
- The discoveries were made possible through the combined efforts of the JWST and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which monitored thousands of stars for periodic light dips indicative of planetary transits.
- The discoveries were made possible through the combined efforts of the JWST and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which monitored thousands of stars for periodic light dips indicative of planetary transits.
These findings mark a significant milestone in exoplanetary science, shedding light on the dynamic and often volatile nature of planetary systems beyond our own.