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...
Mount Fentale’s Methane Emission: A Rare Volcanic Phenomenon with Global Climate Implications Introduction In an unprecedented event, massive methane plumes have been observed emitting from Mount Fentale , a stratovolcano located in Ethiopia’s East African Rift Valley . This event has drawn significant attention from both climate scientists and volcanologists due to its potential impact on climate change and geological activity . Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas , with a global warming potential (GWP) 80 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Most methane emissions are anthropogenic , originating from fossil fuel extraction, agriculture, and landfill decomposition . However, natural methane emissions from volcanoes are rarely documented . This article explores: ✔ What is a stratovolcano? ✔ Mount Fentale's geological significance ✔ Why is methane being released? ✔ Methane's role in global warming ✔ Scientific studies and climate models ✔ Future i...