Kathmandu: Kathmandu Valley and various regions across Nepal are experiencing cloudy weather today. Rain and snowfall have already started in some areas of the Sudurpaschim Province since early morning.



Meteorologist Sanjiv Adhikari has indicated the likelihood of rainfall in areas west of the Gandaki Province and snowfall across all Himalayan regions. According to him, the Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces will experience the most significant impact of rain and snowfall. While light snowfall is possible in a few places in the central and eastern regions, there is no forecast for rainfall in these areas.



The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology predicts light to moderate rain in some areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces until tonight. Additionally, isolated light rain is expected in parts of Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces. Cloudy conditions are likely to persist throughout the day, with improvements in weather anticipated from tonight.

Weather Update: rain and snowfall across Nepal

Kathmandu: Two lunar landers built by private companies in the US and Japan have left Earth aboard a SpaceX rocket as part of a rideshare to the Moon.



The Falcon 9 took off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 01:09 local time (06:09 GMT) on Wednesday, carrying landers belonging to America's Firefly Aerospace and Japan's ispace.



The landers will eventually separate once they reach the Moon's orbit and conduct independent explorations.



They are the latest in a growing number of commercial missions to the Moon.



Firefly's rover, Blue Space, is expected to take about 45 days to reach the Moon, once it has separated from the SpaceX rocket.



It will then drill, collect samples and also take X-ray images of the Earth's magnetic field to "advance research for future human missions on the Moon and provide insights into how space weather impacts the planet", according to SpaceX.



Meanwhile, ispace's Resilence lander will take up to five months to reach the Moon's surface, where it will deploy a rover for exploration and attempt to scoop up loose surface material known as regolith.



Nasa is backing the endeavour, which, if successful, will be its biggest commercial delivery to the Moon so far.



Intuitive Machines last year became the first commercial outfit to put a lander on the Moon, a feat only previously accomplished by the US, the Soviet Union, China, India and Japan.



Separately, SpaceX is also conducting its seventh orbital flight test of its Starship rocket, which is due to take off from Texas at 16:00 local time (22:00 GMT).



Source: BBC

SpaceX rocket launches private missions to Moon

Kathmandu: NASA is revising its ambitious plan to return rocks and soil from Mars after its original proposal ballooned to an estimated $11 billion. Bill Nelson, NASA's Administrator, presented a new, more cost-effective approach on Tuesday, just weeks before his tenure ends. The updated plan aims to ensure the timely return of samples collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has been gathering Martian soil in titanium tubes since 2021.



Nelson stated that the original plan, with costs rising and no return expected before 2040, was no longer viable, prompting the agency to "pull the plug." Instead, NASA is considering two alternative strategies, both projected to cost between $6 billion and $7 billion. These options include innovative designs from commercial partners and streamlined operations to cut costs while maintaining the number of spacecraft and launches required.



The updated mission could rely on either a traditional landing system, using the same sky crane method that delivered Perseverance and Curiosity rovers to Mars, or a new approach developed by private companies, though details on the latter remain sparse. A final decision is expected next year, following in-depth engineering studies.



One of the key changes in the revised plan is the decision to clean the sample tubes on Mars before they are sent back to Earth. This eliminates the need for cleaning in the returning spacecraft and reduces complexity. Additionally, the mission would switch from solar to nuclear power to ensure operations can continue during Martian dust storms, a known challenge.



Nelson emphasized that the incoming administration would have the final say on which option to pursue and urged for immediate funding to be allocated to ensure the mission's success. Trump’s nominee for NASA Administrator, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman, will be tasked with overseeing the continuation of this critical mission. Nelson expressed confidence that the new options would provide a solid foundation for the next steps in the Mars exploration program.



Source: AP

NASA proposes cheaper, faster plan for Mars sample return mission

Kathmandu: Dense fog and cold weather conditions have severely disrupted daily life across the Terai region. In Mahottari, local governments have announced the closure of schools due to the intense cold. The Butwal-Narayanghat section of the East-West Highway, which was closed since morning due to poor visibility, has reopened partially in the afternoon, but police warn that road travel remains hazardous.



Residents in the Terai-Madhesh region are struggling to step outside as the thick fog and chilling weather persist. According to Govinda Jha, a meteorologist from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the fog has intensified over the past two days, with heavy fog blanketing the central and western Terai throughout the day. While the eastern Terai may experience some relief during the day, the fog is expected to return at night and persist tomorrow.



In the central and western Terai, locals report a misty cold wave that dampens clothing when venturing outdoors. Despite the severe conditions, the government has yet to officially declare a cold wave. Jha stated that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will declare a cold wave if the necessary criteria are met.



According to Jha, a cold wave is declared when the maximum and minimum temperatures differ by less than five degrees Celsius, visibility drops below one kilometer, and persistent moisture causes water droplets to form continuously for three days. The current conditions are nearing the threshold, and a decision is expected by this evening based on the latest data.



Source: Rashtriya Samachar Samiti

Dense fog and cold wave disrupt life in Terai region

Kathmandu: Most parts of the country are set to experience cloudy weather today due to the partial influence of western low-pressure systems, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The division has forecast partly to generally cloudy conditions this afternoon, with light rain anticipated in the hilly areas and snowfall expected in the mountainous regions on Monday.



Meteorologist Binu Maharjan shared that the eastern region, as well as the provinces of Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki, Bagmati, and Madhes, will experience generally cloudy skies. In contrast, the provinces of Koshi and Sudurpaschim will have partly cloudy conditions.



This afternoon, the hilly and mountainous regions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with light snowfall likely in some high-altitude areas of Koshi and Gandaki provinces during the evening. Maharjan noted that Monday will bring denser cloud cover than today, with a possibility of light rainfall in the hilly regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces.



In terms of temperature, the minimum temperature in Kathmandu has slightly risen compared to Saturday. The Meteorological Division recorded a minimum temperature of 7.2°C this morning, up from 5.9°C the previous day. Maharjan explained that this slight increase in temperature is due to the cloudy skies overnight, which have helped trap warmth in the capital.



Source: Rashtriya Samachar Samiti

Cloudy weather forecasted in Nepal with light rain and snowfall expected

Kathmandu: Stargazers worldwide were treated to a breathtaking celestial display on Friday, as Venus shone brightly above a crescent Moon, visible to the naked eye from the UK to the US, Turkey, and China. The stunning conjunction of the two cosmic bodies drew attention from observers across the globe, with many capturing the moment in iconic locations.



Venus, often referred to as the "Evening Star" or "Morning Star," is one of the brightest objects in the night sky when it is prominently visible. Its recent appearance alongside the crescent Moon was a spectacular sight for amateur and professional astronomers alike.



More astronomical events are on the horizon for January 2025, with Venus and Saturn expected to put on another show. On January 18, the two planets will appear just 2.2° apart in the sky, offering a remarkable opportunity for stargazers to catch a glimpse of this celestial duo.



Photographers and skywatchers shared stunning images of the event, including a picture of Venus and the crescent Moon aligned above the Quebec Baptist Church in Ellaville, Georgia, and another of the moon and planet seen together against the backdrop of the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara, Turkey. In Edinburgh, the waxing Moon and Venus illuminated the skies above the historic Edinburgh Castle, casting a red glow on the iconic landmark.



In addition to Venus and the Moon, stargazers may also have the chance to witness shooting stars, as the Quadrantid meteor shower continues to captivate audiences. The meteor shower, which has been visible since December 26, will peak on January 6 and remain visible until January 12.



Dr. Robert Massey, deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK, urged observers to get away from light pollution for the best viewing experience. "If you have the time to look out and the weather is good, then do take a look because it's a perfect new year treat," he said.



With more celestial wonders ahead, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for skywatchers around the world.



Source: BBC

Venus and crescent Moon stun stargazers

Kathmandu: NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has made history by surviving the closest-ever fly-by of the Sun, enduring extreme conditions to send a successful signal back to Earth. The spacecraft passed just 3.8 million miles (6.1 million kilometers) from the solar surface on Christmas Eve, marking a groundbreaking milestone in solar exploration.



After several days of being out of communication during the high-risk fly-by, scientists at NASA received a signal from the probe just before midnight EST on Thursday (05:00 GMT on Friday). The agency confirmed that the Parker Solar Probe was "safe" and operating normally despite having passed through the Sun's searing outer atmosphere.



NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which launched in 2018, is on a mission to unlock the mysteries of the Sun, including how material in the Sun’s atmosphere is heated to millions of degrees, the origin of the solar wind, and how energetic particles are accelerated to nearly the speed of light.



Moving at a record-breaking 430,000 mph (692,000 kph), the probe endured temperatures up to 1,800°F (980°C), facing extreme radiation that could have damaged its electronics. The spacecraft is shielded by an 11.5 cm (4.5 in) thick carbon-composite heat shield, allowing it to endure the Sun’s intense heat for brief periods during its fly-by.



The December 24th approach, the 22nd of its kind, was the closest the spacecraft has ever come to the Sun. For comparison, Earth is about 93 million miles from the Sun, meaning that if the Sun and Earth were placed one meter apart, Parker Solar Probe would be just 4 cm from the Sun, illustrating the spacecraft’s incredible proximity.



This unprecedented mission is providing NASA with invaluable data to improve understanding of our Sun’s behavior, including the solar wind—a continuous flow of charged particles from the Sun—and how they affect space weather and Earth’s magnetic field.



Dr. Nicola Fox, NASA’s head of science, emphasized the importance of this mission: “For centuries, people have studied the Sun, but you don't experience the atmosphere of a place until you actually go [and] visit it. We can't really understand the atmosphere of our star unless we fly through it,” she told BBC News.



The Parker Solar Probe continues to make history with each of its fly-bys, and scientists are eager to analyze the data it provides in their ongoing quest to better understand the forces at work on our star.



Source: BBC

NASA’s Parker Solar probe makes history with closest-ever approach to the Sun

Kathmandu: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has reported that the first winter rain of the season entered Nepal from the far western region on Monday evening, signaling the start of winter rains across the country.



Department of Hydrology and Meteorology's weather bulletin issued on Monday evening indicates varying weather patterns across provinces:



Far West Province: Partly to generally cloudy skies with light rain at some places and light snowfall in mountainous areas. Koshi Province: Partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain and snowfall at one or two places in the mountainous region. Madhesh Province: Generally cloudy skies with light rain expected in a few areas. Bagmati Province: Generally cloudy weather with light rain and light snowfall at a few places in mountainous areas, and partly cloudy conditions in the Terai. Lumbini Province: Hill areas will remain generally cloudy with light rain at some places, while the Terai will have partly cloudy skies with the possibility of light rain.



Meteorologists noted that last winter saw minimal rainfall, with scattered showers in the far western and western regions but none in the eastern regions or Kathmandu Valley. This year, however, the country experienced record-breaking rainfall during the monsoon season, including in Kathmandu.



As winter progresses, cold temperatures are steadily increasing across the country, including in the capital. Meteorologists predict that this year’s winter will be as cold as last year’s.



The drop in temperature is also raising concerns about pollution, which tends to increase during the winter season due to reduced rainfall and atmospheric changes. Experts warn that heightened pollution poses serious health risks, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures.

Winter rain enters Nepal

Kathmandu: The Kathmandu Valley has experienced its coldest day of the winter season today, with the minimum temperature recorded at 2°C. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Weather Forecasting Division, the temperature dropped from 3.1°C on Friday to 2°C today.



The weather bulletin released by the Department highlighted a sharp decline in temperatures across the Valley and other parts of Nepal. The chilly conditions have left residents in the Kathmandu Valley feeling the winter's full intensity.



The cold spell has also affected other areas of the country. Jumla district, located in the mid-western region, recorded the lowest temperature of -7.2°C today, marking the coldest temperature so far this winter season.



The Department of Meteorology indicated that the weather across the country is expected to remain generally clear, although mist and fog are likely to persist in some parts of the Terai region. The current weather conditions are being influenced by the Westerly Wind, which is contributing to the significant drop in temperatures.



Residents across the Valley and other affected regions are advised to take precautions against the cold, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.

Kathmandu Valley records coldest day as temperature drops to 2°C

Kathmandu: For the first time, Nepal has presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), demanding climate justice and highlighting the devastating impact of climate change on the country. Foreign Minister Dr. Arjun Rana Deuba represented Nepal in the proceedings, calling for compensation to address the damage caused by climate change.



Dr. Rana Deuba informed the ICJ about the significant effects of climate change on Nepal, particularly due to carbon emissions from wealthy, developed nations. The Minister emphasized that despite Nepal's minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, the country has been severely affected by the resulting climate change, and it urgently requires resources to tackle the crisis.



During the hearing, Dr. Rana Deuba pointed out that Nepal's geographical vulnerability and its level of development make it particularly susceptible to climate-related disasters. He also referred to a recent study by ISIMOD, which predicts that glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region could lose up to 80% of their current mass by the end of this century due to accelerated melting. This, in turn, would exacerbate problems such as floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage in Nepal’s high-altitude regions.



The Foreign Minister further outlined the severe climate-related disasters Nepal has faced this year, including floods and landslides that claimed over 300 lives. Additionally, crucial infrastructure, including drinking water systems, roads, energy, irrigation, and agriculture, was severely damaged, with losses exceeding $103 million USD.



Alongside Dr. Rana Deuba, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Uday Raj Sapkota, and Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shubhang Parajuli, also provided detailed information on Nepal’s situation, reinforcing the country’s demand for climate justice.



The ICJ is holding hearings on climate justice as per a directive from the United Nations General Assembly. Nepal’s appeal calls for accountability and compensation from countries responsible for the climate crisis, which is disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations like Nepal.

Nepal seeks climate justice at International Court of Justice

Kathmandu: NASA has announced a further delay to its ambitious Artemis program, pushing back the planned launch of its second mission to the Moon to April 2026. The mission, originally slated for September 2025, was meant to send astronauts on a flyaround of the Moon, but will now be delayed by over a year due to technical issues with the spacecraft's heat shield. The delay also means that a manned Moon landing will not take place until at least 2027, a full year later than initially planned.



NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained that the delay is necessary to address the heat shield problem, which became apparent after the previous test flight. The capsule’s heat shield returned excessively charred, with significant erosion, cracks, and broken fragments. Nelson emphasized that ensuring the safety of astronauts is the agency's top priority, saying, "We do not fly until we are ready."



Engineers have identified the root cause of the problem and believe a change in the capsule’s re-entry trajectory will fix the issue. However, the agency stressed that a thorough assessment will take time. "We need to do the next test flight, and we need to do it right," Nelson said.



This delay comes as NASA faces growing competition from China’s space agency, which has its own plans to send astronauts to the Moon. Despite the setback, Nelson expressed confidence that NASA’s Artemis program would be the first to land astronauts on the lunar surface, with Artemis 3 now planned for mid-2027—years ahead of China’s 2030 target.



The delay also raises questions about the viability of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket designed to send astronauts to the Moon. The SLS has faced criticism for being both slow and costly to develop, with critics pointing to the faster progress of private companies like SpaceX. Elon Musk's SpaceX is developing the Starship, a reusable and more cost-efficient rocket that is expected to outpace NASA’s efforts.



The leadership of NASA could also be shifting in the near future. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to succeed Bill Nelson as NASA administrator. Isaacman, a close collaborator of Musk and a sponsor of private space missions, could bring significant changes to NASA’s approach, particularly regarding the cost and efficiency of space exploration.



Dr. Simeon Barber, a space scientist at the Open University, cautioned that the combination of Isaacman’s entrepreneurial background and the influence of Musk could bring a "new pair of eyes" to NASA. "SLS is an old-school rocket. It is not reusable like Starship, hence very expensive, and it has taken a long time to get it operational. And slow and expensive is a precarious position to be in when the incoming president is looking to save costs," he said.



The delays to the Artemis program highlight the challenges NASA faces as it races to return humans to the Moon while navigating the growing competition from the private sector and international space agencies.

Nasa delays astronaut flight around the Moon

Kathmandu: Scientists can’t know precisely when a volcano is about to erupt, but they can sometimes pick up telltale signs.



That happened two years ago with the world’s largest active volcano. About two months before Mauna Loa spewed rivers of glowing orange molten lava, geologists detected small earthquakes nearby and other signs, and they warned residents on Hawaii’s Big Island.



Now a study of the volcano’s lava confirms their timeline for when the molten rock below was on the move.



“Volcanoes are tricky because we don’t get to watch directly what’s happening inside – we have to look for other signs,” said Erik Klemetti Gonzalez, a volcano expert at Denison University, who was not involved in the study.



Upswelling ground and increased earthquake activity near the volcano resulted from magma rising from lower levels of Earth’s crust to fill chambers beneath the volcano, said Kendra Lynn, a research geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and co-author of a new study in Nature Communications.



When pressure was high enough, the magma broke through brittle surface rock and became lava – and the eruption began in late November 2022. Later, researchers collected samples of volcanic rock for analysis.



The chemical makeup of certain crystals within the lava indicated that around 70 days before the eruption, large quantities of molten rock had moved from around 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) to 3 miles (5 kilometers) under the summit to a mile (2 kilometers) or less beneath, the study found. This matched the timeline the geologists had observed with other signs.



The last time Mauna Loa erupted was in 1984. Most of the U.S. volcanoes that scientists consider to be active are found in Hawaii, Alaska and the West Coast.



Worldwide, around 585 volcanoes are considered active.



Scientists can’t predict eruptions, but they can make a “forecast,” said Ben Andrews, who heads the global volcano program at the Smithsonian Institution and who was not involved in the study.



Andrews compared volcano forecasts to weather forecasts – informed “probabilities” that an event will occur. And better data about the past behavior of specific volcanos can help researchers finetune forecasts of future activity, experts say.



Source: AP

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