Impressions (No Spoilers)

The film Hail Mary leaves a very positive impression overall. If someone likes science fiction, they might really enjoy this movie. This is exactly the kind of film that not only shows beautiful images of space but also keeps you on the edge of your seat for almost the entire runtime. The plot constantly throws in new twists, and the characters’ decisions keep you hooked on the story.

Ryan’s acting deserves special mention. Everything is portrayed very naturally: the characters feel like real people, not just vehicles for the plot. This makes it easier to believe both the story itself and the characters’ emotional reactions. Another important plus is the attention to detail. It was particularly pleasing that the film accurately depicts one of the basic principles of space: there is no sound in outer space. For a sci-fi film, this might seem like a minor detail, but it is precisely these details that greatly enhance the film’s believability.

Hail Mary is a fantastic film that works on several levels: as a suspenseful adventure, as a story of survival, and as a film that strives to respect scientific logic. That’s exactly why the film resonates not only emotionally but also intellectually.

It is also interesting to compare it to the film U Are the Universe. One gets the sense that these films resonate with each other in some ways: both use space not merely as a backdrop, but as a realm of solitude, connection, hope, and human vulnerability. But while U Are the Universe is a more intimate, lyrical, and existential story, Hail Mary is a larger-scale, technically sophisticated, and plot-driven science fiction film. And there is an interesting point here: if the creators of U Are the Universe had delayed the film’s release just a little longer, and it had come out after Hail Mary, some viewers would surely have accused them of plagiarism. In reality, that would have been unfair: the Ukrainian film had already been released earlier as an independent work. And even Andy Weir’s book Hail Mary was not published until 2021.

Technical Analysis with Spoilers

From an engineering perspective, the film is particularly interesting because it invites analysis rather than just watching. And for the most part, this is a plus: if, after watching it, there is a desire to discuss fuel, the atmosphere, materials, and manufacturing technologies, then the science fiction has done its job.

The first – and perhaps the most controversial – point concerns the logistics of the protagonist’s return journey. This is the film’s weakest point. Even with full tanks – roughly two million liters of astrofuel – the return trip would take about four years, so questions about the mission’s supplies arise at this stage. Based on the plot’s logic, there was enough food for about two years, and after subsequent events, the available fuel supply is further reduced by two sections. As a result, the return mission begins to look less like an engineering-driven scenario devised by the protagonist and more like a very optimistic hope for a miracle. This does not ruin the film entirely, but it is here that the tension between the drama and the real-world logistics of interstellar flight is felt most acutely.

The second point of contention is taumeba and xenonite. Conceptually, this is a very striking idea, but it raises the most questions precisely from the perspective of the world’s internal physics. If xenonite is presented as a reliable structural and airtight material, then taumeba’s ability to pass through it requires a very serious explanation. It is not enough here to say that this is unusual biology; there needs to be a clear mechanism that explains exactly how it happens, under what conditions, and due to which properties of the material and the organism. That is why this particular plot point raises the most scientific doubts for me. It works as a dramatic twist, but as a hard sci-fi premise, it looks noticeably weaker than many of the film’s other ideas.

That said, the atmosphere on the ship and the final dome actually struck as quite plausible. Here, the film, on the contrary, enters the realm of logical engineering solutions. When it comes to a pressurized environment for humans, the basic principles are quite clear: controlling pressure, gas composition, temperature, humidity, removing carbon dioxide, and maintaining a safe environment. In this sense, the dome in the finale can be seen as a development of the same ideas used in space life support systems (e.g., the ISS), only adapted to a different technological platform. Therefore, this aspect should be defended rather than criticized.

The idea of highly advanced 3D printing on an alien spacecraft struck as particularly compelling. The way tunnels, structures, and various objects are formed is an extremely advanced form of 3D printing or programmable manufacturing. And this is precisely one of those ideas that, in science fiction, does not seem like magic but rather a logical progression of real-world technologies. If a civilization is capable of building complex structures directly within the required environment, with high precision, using readily available materials, and tailored to a specific task, then this seems very realistic for a highly advanced engineering culture.

The same applies to the translator. The film presents him not as a magic button, but as the result of a gradual search for patterns, the comparison of signals, learning, and the development of a common language. It is precisely this approach that makes the idea convincing. This is no longer a fairy-tale “universal understanding of aliens,” but an engineering problem of communication that is solved step by step. And within the realm of science fiction, it makes perfect sense.

Ultimately, what makes Hail Mary great for me is that it can be viewed in two different ways. The first is simply a powerful, intense, and emotional science fiction film. The second is a film that invites technical analysis. And even its controversial moments are not so much a drawback as a reason for discussion. Because the most interesting sci-fi films are not the ones that leave no questions, but the ones that make viewers want to debate trajectories, materials, atmosphere, biology, and technology.

What differences and nuances did you notice? Let’s discuss them in the comments.

• Posted in Articles, Movies & Series, Tech

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{ https://universemagazine.com/en/articles-en/ }

17-03-2026 om 23:45 geschreven door peter  

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) at Johns Hopkins University has officially begun assembling one of the most unusual spacecraft in the history of space exploration. The Dragonfly unmanned helicopter, whose design resembles the legendary ornithopters from Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, is preparing for a mission to Titan.

Although it is not the barren Arakis, Saturn’s largest moon will greet the explorer with vast expanses of sand dunes. And while the chances of encountering a sandworm there are practically nonexistent, the scientific potential of this mission is truly impressive.

Drone Lab

Dragonfly isn’t just a drone. It’s a fully-fledged autonomous robot about the size of a small car. Unlike rovers, which take years to cover just a few dozen kilometers, the flying probe will be able to “hop” vast distances, exploring various regions of Titan in a single flight.

Once it reaches the moon’s surface in 2034, the spacecraft will conduct a comprehensive analysis, ranging from studying the composition of the atmosphere to taking seismic measurements. The chemical composition of the surface is of particular interest. Beneath Titan’s thick layer of ice lies a global ocean of salty water, making this world one of the most promising places to search for extraterrestrial life. 

A slow and cold world

Titan is truly an amazing place. It is the only moon in the Solar System with a dense atmosphere. The air there is four times denser than Earth’s, and gravity is seven times weaker. This creates some amazing conditions: if you were there in the rain, the methane droplets would fall extremely slowly, as if in slow motion.

However, waiting for such a downpour is no easy task, since centuries can pass between precipitation events on Titan. Such a stable, albeit cold, chemical environment is the ideal place for the formation of organic compounds. Scientists consider Titan to be “Earth in the freezer”—it looks just like our planet before the first living organisms appeared on it.

A costly mission

Exploring Titan is no cheap project. The total cost of the mission is estimated at $3 billion. Previous attempts to peer beneath the moon’s thick, foggy veil have been extremely limited: in 2005, the Huygens probe lasted only a few hours on the surface due to a lack of power. 

Since Dragonfly is designed for long-term operation, solar power is not an option — there is too little light penetrating Titan’s thick haze. Therefore, Dragonfly will be powered by nuclear energy. The spacecraft will be equipped with a multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG). Fuel rods containing plutonium will generate heat, which will be converted into electricity to power electronics, servos, and scientific instruments. This technology has already proven itself on the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.

Beginning of the journey

The mission is scheduled to be launched in 2028 using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. After launch, the spacecraft will spend six long years traveling through the Solar System. When Dragonfly finally spreads its rotors over the lakes and rivers of liquid ethane in 2034, humanity will get its clearest view of this mysterious world yet.

In the meantime, engineers continue to assemble this nuclear-powered ornithopter, keeping in mind the golden rule for travelers across the dunes: “The spice must flow,” and science must move forward.

We previously reported that the Dragonfly underwent a critical design review prior to the start of the assembly phase.

• According to jalopnik.com

• Posted in News, Tech

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{ https://universemagazine.com/en/articles-en/ }

17-03-2026 om 22:39 geschreven door peter  

Terrifying study predicts exactly how many people will DIE by 2050 if we don’t take urgent action to curb climate change

• READ MORE: The ominous sign the Gulf Stream is nearing COLLAPSE

By SHIVALI BEST, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR 

A terrifying study has predicted exactly how many people will die by 2050 if we don't take urgent action to curb climate change. 

Researchers from the Catholic University of Argentina set out to understand how rising temperatures will affect physical activity – and as a result, premature deaths. 

The team analysed data from 156 countries between 2000 and 2022, and used it to predict what the coming decades will look like.

Worryingly, their findings suggest that by 2050, each additional month with an average temperature above 27.8°C will increase physical inactivity by 1.5 per cent globally. 

This translates to a predicted 470,000 to 700,000 additional premature deaths every year – and up to $3.68 billion in productivity losses.

Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for urgent action. 

'Rising temperatures are projected to increase the prevalence of physical inactivity, translating into additional premature deaths and productivity losses, especially in tropical regions,' they said. 

'Prioritising heat–adaptive urban design, subsidised climate–controlled exercise facilities, and targeted heat–risk communication is essential to mitigate these emerging health and economic burdens, in addition to ambitious emissions reductions.'

The team analysed data from 156 countries between 2000 and 2022, and used it to predict what the coming decades will look like

Climate change is making the world hotter, with the last three years confirmed to be the hottest on record. 

As a result, exercising in many parts of the world is becoming more difficult. 

Writing in their study, published in The Lancet Global Health, the researchers, led by Christian García–Witulski, explained: 'Heat exposure imposes physiological constraints through elevated cardiovascular strain and heightened perceived exertion, creating substantial barriers to outdoor physical activity.'

To understand how rising temperatures might impact the ability to exercise, the team analysed data from 156 countries from 2000 to 2022. 

Their results paint a bleak picture of what's to come – particularly in low– and middle–income countries. 

By 2050, each additional month with an average temperature above 27.8°C will increase physical inactivity by 1.5 per cent globally, and by 1.85 per cent in low– and middle–income countries, but with no clear impact in high–income countries.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest increase in inactivity will be in hotter regions, according to the researchers. 

This includes Central America, the Caribbean, Eastern Sub–Saharan Africa, and Equitorial Southeast Asia – where inactivity could increase by as much as four per cent per  month spent above 27.8°C.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest increase in inactivity will be in hotter regions, according to the researchers

'The implications for global health are immediate,' the researchers wrote. 

'Without stronger mitigation, rising temperatures alone could undermine – or even reverse – a substantial share of WHO's target of cutting global physical inactivity by 15% by 2030, while simultaneously slowing economic growth through heatrelated drops in worker productivity.' 

The researchers also provide several ideas for measures that could be taken to ease the impact of rising temperatures.

Heat–risk messages could be integrated into exercise guidelines, they suggest, while money could be funneled towards cooler exercise facilities. 

'Treating physical activity as a climate–sensitive necessity – rather than a discretionary lifestyle choice – will be essential to prevent a heat–driven sedentary transition and its accompanying surge in cardiometabolic diseases and economic losses,' they concluded. 

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/index.html }

17-03-2026 om 22:14 geschreven door peter  

A former US Air Force missile launch officer has detailed the terrifying moments when UFOs allegedly shut down America's nuclear weapons without firing a shot.

Robert Salas, now 85, claimed that 20 of the military's Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missiles were disabled by an unknown force which was able to break through all of the shielding at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base in 1967.

On March 16 and 24 of that year, Salas said guards at the base reported seeing strange, fast-moving lights in the sky that could stop and hover instantly, and emitted a bright red glow right before the US ICBMs hidden underground went offline.

Salas, who was one of two officers inside the underground launch control capsule during the Cold War, added that the guards calling for help were convinced the craft were not Soviet airplanes launching an attack.

The Air Force veteran told the Danny Jones Podcast he is convinced intelligent non-human civilizations visited Earth and attempted to prevent World War III from causing a nuclear holocaust. 

Salas claimed: 'It's another civilization out there that is visiting us and are concerned about us destroying this planet through nuclear war, for many reasons, probably some we don't even understand.'

The former nuclear missile officer added that an investigation led by aerospace company Boeing could not determine what shut down the warheads because US missile complexes were specifically built to keep out jamming signals like this.

'They had no idea how this signal could have been injected into each of the missiles. The cabling system that we had was triply shielded against electromagnetic interference from the outside,' Salas explained.

US Air Force ICBM launch officer Robert Salas (Pictured) has testified before Congress about the UFO that disabled 10 warheads at Malmstrom Air Force Base in March 1967  

Pictured: Malmstrom Airforce Base, home to 10 nuclear warheads which went offline after a strange craft approached the base and the missile silos

According to Salas, the first UFO sighting took place on March 16, 1967, when 10 ICBMs were simultaneously disabled without warning by the mystery swarm of UFOs. 

Eight days later, Salas said the encounter started when the topside security guard called down to him in the underground launch control room around 10pm MT to report multiple strange lights flying in the sky over the nuclear weapons base.

The guards claimed these lights could reverse direction, make sharp 90-degree turns and were completely silent, making no engine noises.

After dismissing the guard's story, Salas would soon receive another frantic call from security saying a pulsating reddish light was being emitted from the UFO hovering right above the front gate of Malmstrom AFB.

After ordering security to prevent the UFO from entering the missile complex, guards reported seeing the same or similar lights hovering right above two of the missile silos about a mile away from the control room. 

'All of a sudden, we get a large horn go off and we know what that means. That means that there's an issue with one of the missiles. Look at the board and sure enough, one of them went from green to red. No go. No launch, no ability to launch,' Salas told Jones during the March 13 episode.

'Very quickly thereafter, bing, bing, bing, bing, all 10 of them went down. They all went red.'

Salas revealed that incursion lights had also gone off, meaning something or someone had entered the fenced area where the missiles were kept.

A guard closing the gate to entrance of the control center of the missile base at Malmstrom, Montana, where the ballistic missile 'Minuteman' were kept, in December 1962

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• America’s nuclear sites secretly invaded by thousands of UFOs, new report reveals

When he called on the guards to investigate the missile silos, they reported that the UFO had flown off just as they arrived.

Following his encounter, Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) personnel ordered Salas and his commander to sign strict non-disclosure agreements threatening prison time if they ever discussed the event.

However, the veteran officer went public decades later after reading about a similar incident in a publicly available UFO book and deciding the information had already been leaked.

The Boeing engineers tasked with investigating the missile complex concluded that an external electromagnetic signal had somehow disrupted the guidance and control systems of the missiles, specifically affecting a device called the logic coupler in each one.

Despite discovering the likely cause, Boeing also noted it was impossible for any normal device or test to affect all 10 missiles at once because each missile was independently housed in a silo designed to block electromagnetic interference.

Officially, the Pentagon has maintained for decades that there is no proof UFOs or extraterrestrial beings exist and have visited Earth.

However, President Trump has ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to release all government files related to the search for these unidentified craft so the public can examine the evidence for themselves.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/index.html }

17-03-2026 om 22:02 geschreven door peter  

Humanity receives mysterious 'mega-laser' signal from unknown source in deep space

• READ MORE: NASA astronaut says humanity is 'living a lie' after spending 178 days in space 

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

Humanity has received a mysterious signal, described as a 'mega-laser' beam, from a violently merging galaxy more than 8 billion light-years away.

The signal, deemed the most distant hydroxyl megamaser ever detected, was intercepted by the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, which features 64 antennas.

A hydroxyl megamaser is a giant natural laser in space. When galaxies full of gas collide, molecules called hydroxyl smash together and release very strong radio waves. 

These waves behave like a laser, but instead of visible light, they produce radio signals that astronomers can detect with telescopes.

Because these signals are extremely bright, they can be seen from very far across the universe. 

In this case, the object is so powerful that scientists said it may actually be a 'gigamaser,' which is even stronger than a megamaser. 

The system, called HATLAS J142935.3–002836, is so far away that we are seeing it as it looked more than 8 billion years ago, when the universe was less than half its current age. 

Dr Thato Manamela, SARAO-funded postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pretoria and lead author of the new study, said: 'This system is truly extraordinary. We are seeing the radio equivalent of a laser halfway across the universe.' 

Humanity has received a mysterious signal, described as a 'mega-laser' beam, from a violently merging galaxy more than 8 billion light-years away 

Manamela added that as the radio waves traveled toward Earth, they were also strengthened by a separate galaxy positioned directly along the line of sight. 

'This galaxy acts as a lens, the way a water droplet on a window pane would, because its mass curves the local space-time,' he said.

'So we have a radio laser passing through a cosmic telescope before being detected by the powerful MeerKAT radio telescope – all together enabling a wonderfully serendipitous discovery.' 

The radio signal contained four separate components, meaning it is coming from multiple regions within the galaxy system. 

At least two of these areas appear to be strongly magnified by gravitational lensing, which makes the signal more than ten times brighter than it would normally appear. 

In this case, a massive foreground galaxy sits between Earth and the distant system. 

Its gravity bends space-time and acts like a cosmic magnifying glass, boosting the brightness of the radio emission. 

This amplification allowed the signal to be detected by the MeerKAT radio telescope even though the source is over 8 billion light-years away. 

Pictured is the galaxy system where astronomers said is the source of the signal

The signal, deemed the most distant hydroxyl megamaser ever detected, was intercepted using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa (PICTURED), which consists of 64 antennas

Read More

• Truth about NASA's 'missing' moon tapes revealed after 57 years 

Normally, signals from objects this far away are too weak for telescopes to detect. 

But the powerful radio signal coming from HATLAS J142935.3–002836 was boosted by a rare effect called gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein.

Gravitational lensing happens when a massive object, such as a galaxy, sits between Earth and a distant source. 

Its strong gravity bends space-time, which changes the path of the light or radio waves traveling through it. 

This makes the distant signal appear brighter and magnified, allowing telescopes like the MeerKAT radio telescope to detect it even from billions of light-years away.

From Earth, this effect can sometimes create a ring-shaped halo of light around the foreground object, called an Einstein ring, named after the famed physicist. 

The same effect also magnifies the distant source, in this case a radio or microwave signal, making it much easier for astronomers to study objects that would normally be too faint to detect. 

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/index.html }

17-03-2026 om 21:48 geschreven door peter  

Story by Arezki Amiri

A thin, stubbornly bright line showed up in data from the MeerKAT radio telescope that did not fit the usual rules of distance. The feature sat in a familiar part of the radio spectrum, but it was coming from so far away that signals like it typically fade into the background. Instead of smearing out, it stayed sharp enough to measure. That was the first hint that something was amplifying it.

The source already had a survey name that sounded more like a serial number than a destination: HATLAS J142935.3–002836. Astronomers had seen it before as a distorted, stretched-looking galaxy system, the kind that suggests gravity has bent the view. A report from Live Science described it as a “mega-laser,” but the real curiosity was why the line stayed detectable at all.

When the team calculated the distance, the scale became clearer. The system sits at redshift z = 1.027, placing it more than 8 billion light-years away in light-travel time. That means the radio waves began their journey when the universe was much younger than it is now. The MeerKAT radio telescope was effectively catching a signal that left long before Earth existed.

The 18-Centimeter Fingerprint

The crucial clue was the wavelength: about 18 centimeters. That specific “color” of radio light is strongly associated with the hydroxyl molecule (OH), a simple pairing of oxygen and hydrogen that can exist in vast clouds of gas. Under the right conditions, hydroxyl can behave like an amplifier, strengthening radiation at a very specific frequency.

• Related video: James Webb Just Saw Something That Shouldn't Exist at Our Solar System's Boundary
  

That amplification works like a laser in principle, but at radio wavelengths. Astronomers call it a maser, short for microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. When a maser is powerful enough to be seen in other galaxies, it becomes a hydroxyl megamaser. In this case, the team argues the signal is bright enough to push beyond that label into a proposed new tier: gigamaser.

A photo of two radio dishes pointed up at the night sky

© Daily Galaxy US

The paper, published in arXiv, describes the emission as coming from the two main hydroxyl lines near 1667 MHz and 1665 MHz, which are the standard signatures astronomers look for. What mattered most was not just the presence of those lines, but how strong they appeared at this distance. That is what set this detection apart from earlier hydroxyl surveys.

A Merger Powering the Natural Amplifier

The host system is described as a violently merging galaxy. That matters because the brightest hydroxyl megamasers are often found where galaxies collide and gas becomes dense and chaotic. Mergers can compress clouds, stir turbulence, and create thick, dusty regions where molecules pile up. Those are exactly the conditions that can “pump” hydroxyl into the right state to amplify radio emission.

“This system is truly extraordinary,” said Dr Thato Manamela of the University of Pretoria. “We are seeing the radio equivalent of a laser halfway across the universe.” The phrasing is dramatic, but the mechanism is straightforward: a merger creates dense, energized gas, and hydroxyl molecules amplify radio emission at the 18-centimeter wavelength.

Diagram showing how the megamaser was observed via gravitational lensing

© Daily Galaxy US

The researchers from the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory also point to signs of intense activity in the host. Earlier studies of the same system suggest a very high rate of star formation, consistent with a merger that is rapidly converting gas into new stars. That context helps explain why the hydroxyl signal could be so bright in the first place, even before any extra help from gravity along the line of sight.

The Foreground Galaxy Acting like a Lens

Distance alone still does not explain everything. The signal looks bright because it had help on the way to Earth. Between us and the merger sits an unrelated galaxy positioned almost perfectly along the same line of sight. Its gravity bends space-time and focuses the background emission, boosting what arrives at Earth.

This effect is called strong gravitational lensing. It does not create new light, but it redirects more of the existing light toward us, like a natural magnifying glass. That is why the same system looks distorted in images and unusually intense in radio data. In an explainer, Universe Today described the foreground galaxy as a kind of “cosmic telescope,” which matches how astronomers talk about lensing in practice.

Side by side images of the Einstein ring from the study taken by different telescopes

© Daily Galaxy US

Because lensing boosts the brightness, the team is careful about what “brightest” means. The paper emphasizes how luminous the signal appears to us, not what it would look like without the lens. The proposed gigamaser label is tied to this observed power, combining an extreme environment in the background galaxy with a fortunate alignment in the foreground.

What Meerkat Saw, and What Comes Next

The detection did not require a long campaign. The team reports confirming the signal with only a few hours of observing time, using dozens of dishes working together as the MeerKAT radio telescope array. That short integration is one reason the find is being treated as a proof of capability, not just a one-off curiosity. It shows that wide surveys could uncover more distant hydroxyl systems if the telescope looks in the right way.

The same dataset also contained an additional clue: a separate absorption feature from neutral hydrogen (H I), another common gas tracer. That matters because it suggests the system contains multiple layers of gas, not just the molecular material producing hydroxyl emission. Together, the features help build a more complete picture of what a gas-rich merger looked like at this point in cosmic history.

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{ The Daily Galaxy }

17-03-2026 om 20:44 geschreven door peter  

Story by Pranjal Nath

Artemis II: NASA now targets March 20 for SLS rocket rollout to launchpad

The rollout of the Artemis II SLS rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida has been postponed, NASA announced. The 4-mile crawl of the rocket stack atop the Crawler-Transporter 2 will now take place on March 20, 2026, at the earliest, instead of March 19. "A rollout on March 20 would still preserve the possibility of launching at the beginning of the April launch window, though teams also are keeping a close eye on the weather in the coming days," the space agency added. A total of 7 launch windows are available in the month starting with April 1, with April 2 having been added to the previous list of launch opportunities.

NASA attributed the delay to an electrical harness for the flight termination system on the SLS core stage that needed replacement. While teams have addressed the situation, preparations to ready the rocket for the move are still underway. The Exploration Systems team will handle the rollout, which could potentially take up to 12 hours.

NASA's Artemis II sits in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on January 16, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

(Image Source: Getty Images | Joe Raedle)

The SLS rocket stack reached the VAB on February 25, 2026, so that teams could look into the helium flow issue that had surfaced after the second wet dress rehearsal. This rollback came as a disappointment to many because of how successful the second wet dress rehearsal was deemed to be, given how the agency had managed to keep the hydrogen leak well within safety limits. Once the rocket reached the VAB, engineers traced the issue to a quick-disconnect seal through which helium flows from the ground to the rocket. 

The ICPS has two umbilicals. The lower, larger aft plate supplies liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen and has a helium quick disconnect and hazardous gas sensing.

(Image Source: NASA; Image Edited by Starlust Staff)

"Our combined engineering teams across our ground systems and SLS teams came up with a design fix," explained Exploration Ground Systems Program Manager Shawn Quinn during the press briefing held on Thursday. That design fix was implemented on a test article, and we have successfully tested it, and we have qualified it for use on Artemis II, and the modified QD is already on the upper stage." 

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman looks out as NASA's Artemis II is rolled from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on January 17, 2026.

(Cover Image Source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

With the Artemis program, the aim is to restore a “golden age of innovation and exploration" to reach the Moon and eventually Mars with human explorers. Beginning with the launch of this particular mission, NASA hopes to increase its launch cadence to allow itself and its partners to make steady incremental steps towards reaching its goals, as opposed to steep learning curves with fewer launches. Owing to the numerous delays since Artemis I took off in 2022, many of the aspects of the program were called into question. This led NASA to make sweeping changes to its plans, which assigned the objective of human lunar touchdown to Artemis IV, slated for 2028.

More on Starlust

• You can track Artemis II mission in real time, thanks to this new NASA platform
• All about Christina Koch, the first woman to fly around the Moon as part of Artemis II

{ Starlust }

17-03-2026 om 18:32 geschreven door peter  

Story by Amy Granger

The story of Moses is central to Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

He led the Israelites out of Egypt, received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and guided a wandering nation toward the Promised Land.

Yet, one of the most enduring mysteries about Moses is the fate of his body. According to the Bible, Moses died at the age of 120 on Mount Nebo, but “no one knows his burial place” (Deuteronomy 34:6).

This unique detail has sparked centuries of speculation, debate, and legend. Unlike other key figures whose tombs became sites of veneration, Moses’ grave remained hidden.

Scholars, theologians, and historians have suggested a variety of reasons for this secrecy.

Here are five compelling explanations for why Moses’ body was never found, each reflecting religious, symbolic, and historical interpretations of his life and death.

1. God Himself Hid Moses’ Body

© Shutterstock© Shutterstock

The Bible explicitly states that God Himself buried Moses and that no one knew the location of his grave.

Many scholars suggest this was deliberate to prevent idolatry or inappropriate veneration.

In ancient times, the graves of great leaders often became pilgrimage sites or places for offerings, and hiding Moses’ burial may have prevented such practices.

• Related video: The Exodus of Moses || Strangers In A Strange Land

By keeping his body concealed, God emphasized that Moses’ authority and legacy came from divine guidance rather than physical remains.

This act may also symbolize that Moses’ mission was spiritual rather than tied to earthly power.

His leadership and teachings were meant to be followed through faith and law, not through worship of his mortal remains.

The hidden grave reinforces the idea that God’s plans transcend human control and that ultimate authority belongs to Him alone.

2. To Prevent Political Exploitation

© Shutterstock

Another possible reason Moses’ body was never found relates to political concerns. The Israelites were a nomadic people entering a complex, often hostile region.

A known burial site of such a revered leader could have become a rallying point for rebellion or power struggles.

Rival factions might have attempted to use Moses’ remains to legitimize claims to leadership or to influence the community.

By hiding the grave, God may have protected the Israelites from internal division and external threats.

The absence of a physical tomb prevented the misuse of Moses’ authority for personal gain or political manipulation.

This explanation frames the hidden burial as a strategic act that preserved social cohesion and prevented exploitation of Moses’ symbolic status.

3. To Maintain His Spiritual Legacy

© Shutterstock

Moses’ significance lies primarily in his spiritual achievements and leadership, not in his physical presence.

Hiding his body ensured that future generations would focus on his teachings and the law rather than becoming fixated on relics or physical remains.

This approach aligns with the broader biblical pattern of emphasizing faith, obedience, and divine covenant over material objects.

By removing the possibility of a shrine or tomb, God ensured that Moses’ influence would remain rooted in moral guidance, scripture, and leadership principles.

The hidden burial shifts attention from the tangible to the eternal, reinforcing the idea that spiritual legacy matters more than earthly remains.

It serves as a reminder that Moses’ authority and inspiration were intended to be transmitted through teaching, story, and obedience to God’s commands.

4. Symbolic Meaning of an Unmarked Grave

© Shutterstock

Some theologians interpret Moses’ unmarked grave as highly symbolic.

It may represent humility, the impermanence of life, or the separation between human achievement and divine destiny.

Unlike kings or heroes who sought lasting monuments, Moses’ hidden burial emphasizes that ultimate honor comes from God rather than public recognition.

It also highlights the mysterious nature of divine intervention: even the greatest leader’s end can be concealed, reminding humanity of the limits of human understanding.

This symbolism has inspired interpretations in literature, art, and religious thought, suggesting that the unknown burial place serves as a metaphor for faith, mystery, and the eternal nature of God’s plan.

By keeping his grave secret, the narrative conveys lessons about humility, trust, and the ephemeral nature of earthly life.

5. Possible Historical and Practical Reasons

© Shutterstock

From a historical perspective, some scholars suggest practical reasons for the absence of Moses’ tomb.

The Israelites were wandering in a desert environment, with limited capacity to perform elaborate burials.

Mount Nebo is steep and remote, which would have made marking or preserving a grave difficult.

Additionally, oral traditions and early record-keeping may have intentionally avoided specifying locations to protect sacred spaces from desecration.

Over time, any physical markers may have been lost due to natural erosion, human movement, or intentional concealment.

This practical explanation complements theological and symbolic interpretations, showing how environmental, cultural, and historical factors could have contributed to the enduring mystery of Moses’ unlocated burial.

It demonstrates that faith and historical circumstances often intersect to create lasting enigmas.

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17-03-2026 om 18:17 geschreven door peter  

Key points

• Many people think intelligent extraterrestrial life likely exists but assume others are skeptical.
• Participants estimated a 67% likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligence but thought others would say 21%.
• This gap reflects pluralistic ignorance—misjudging others’ beliefs keeps people silent.

Source: AI-Generated

For decades, conversations about UFOs—now often referred to as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP)—have occupied an unusual place in public life. Many people are curious about the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, yet most people are cautious about discussing them with others because of stigma and fear of being judged.

New research suggests that this hesitation may reflect our psychology rather than skepticism.

Most Believe in Extraterrestrial Intelligence

A recent study by Avi Loeb at Harvard University, and colleagues, surveyed 6,060 participants recruited through the Prolific research platform, which is widely used in behavioral research [1]. The sample consisted largely of highly educated adults, many holding college or graduate degrees.

Instead of asking a simple yes-or-no question about extraterrestrial intelligence, participants were asked to estimate the probability that intelligent extraterrestrial life exists somewhere in the universe. Respondents provided numerical estimates between 0% and 100%.

When researchers averaged the responses, participants’ mean estimate was about 67%, suggesting that on average people believe intelligent extraterrestrial life is more likely than not to exist.

Another way of examining the results highlights how widespread this belief is. The researchers found that about 95% of participants gave probability estimates greater than 50%, meaning they believed it is more likely than not that intelligent extraterrestrial life exists somewhere in the universe [1].

In other words, nearly everyone in the sample leaned toward believing intelligent life beyond Earth probably exists, even if their degree of certainty varied.

The Cosmic Closet: A Massive Perception Gap

The most striking finding in the study was not simply what people believed—it was what they thoht others believed.

After reporting their own probability estimate, participants were asked to estimate the probability that people in their social circles believed intelligent extraterrestrial life exists.

The difference was dramatic. Participants’ average personal estimate was about 67%. Their estimated belief of others was about 21%.

This produced a 46-percentage-point gap between personal belief and perceived social belief [1].

In other words, many people believed intelligent extraterrestrial life was plausible but assumed others were far more skeptical.

The researchers referred to this phenomenon as the “cosmic closet.” People privately hold a belief but assume it is socially unpopular, leading them to underestimate how widely it is actually shared.

The Psychology of Pluralistic Ignorance

This pattern closely resembles a well-known concept in social psychology called pluralistic ignorance.

Pluralistic ignorance occurs when individuals privately hold a belief but mistakenly assume that most other people disagree. Because individuals want to avoid social embarrassment or reputational risk, they often remain silent about their views. That silence then reinforces the illusion that the belief is uncommon even when many people privately share it [2].

Classic research demonstrates this dynamic in areas such as college drinking norms. Students often believe their peers are more comfortable with heavy drinking than they themselves are, even though most students privately feel similar reservations. Because everyone assumes others approve of the behavior, few people challenge the perceived norm [3].

The same mechanism may help explain the “cosmic closet.” If individuals assume curiosity about extraterrestrial intelligence will be dismissed as irrational, they may keep their views to themselves even when many others privately share that curiosity.

When Perception Shapes Reality

Norm misperception can have real consequences. When people underestimate how widely a belief is shared, they may hesitate to discuss it publicly, explore it academically, or pursue it professionally.

Psychologists have observed similar dynamics in other domains. Research shows that many people underestimate how common experiences such as anxiety, depression, or loneliness actually are, which can make individuals reluctant to talk about their own struggles. Fear of being judged or stigmatized often leads people to stay silent even though many others are experiencing similar challenges [4].

Researchers have also found that people frequently overestimate how extreme the views of political opponents are, contributing to perceptions of deeper polarization than survey data actually shows [5]. When individuals believe their views differ sharply from the perceived majority, they may stay silent to avoid social conflict.

This creates a feedback loop.

When people remain silent because they believe their views are uncommon, that silence prevents others from realizing how widely the belief is actually shared. As a result, skepticism appears more widespread than it really is.

In effect, people remain quiet to conform to a social norm that may exist largely because everyone else is also remaining quiet.

Expert Opinion Barely Changed People’s Views

The researchers also tested whether revealing expert opinion would influence participants’ beliefs.

Some respondents were shown survey results indicating that many astrobiologists—scientists who study the origins and distribution of life in the universe—consider extraterrestrial life plausible.

Interestingly, this information had only a small effect on participants’ probability estimates [1]. Even after seeing expert opinions, participants’ beliefs changed very little.

This suggests that people’s beliefs about extraterrestrial intelligence may not depend strongly on expert authority. Instead, individuals may rely more on intuitive reasoning about the vastness of the universe or broader worldview assumptions when forming their judgments.

{  https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb }

16-03-2026 om 22:25 geschreven door peter  

Missing Air Force General Case Draws FBI and Online Conspiracy Theories

The disappearance of a retired Air Force general who once oversaw billions of dollars in military research has drawn federal investigators into the search and fueled a wave of online conspiracy theories about classified programs and unidentified flying objects.

Retired Maj. Gen. William “Neil” McCasland, a former commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, has been missing since Feb. 27, when he disappeared from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Local authorities are leading the investigation, but federal agencies, including the FBI, have joined the search as the case continues to attract national attention. 

While investigators have not identified a clear explanation for his disappearance, McCasland’s background overseeing some of the Air Force’s most advanced science and technology programs has made the case a magnet for speculation online.

Authorities say the investigation remains active and have urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement. 

A Career at the Center of Air Force Research

McCasland spent more than three decades in the Air Force and ultimately served as commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), one of the military’s most influential science and technology organizations.

AFRL manages research programs that shape the future of air and space power, including advanced propulsion systems, directed energy weapons, aerospace materials and satellite technologies.

At the time of his leadership, the laboratory oversaw roughly $2.2 billion in Air Force science and technology programs, along with additional externally funded research and development projects.

The role placed McCasland among the Air Force’s most senior science leaders, responsible for guiding long-term research investments and coordinating efforts across the Pentagon, universities and defense industry partners.

Programs developed through AFRL help transition experimental technologies into operational military capabilities used by service members around the world.

During McCasland’s tenure, AFRL played a central role in developing technologies that later became key components of modern U.S. military capability. The laboratory helped advance work on directed-energy weapons, advanced satellite systems, hypersonic research and next-generation sensors, while partnering with universities and defense contractors to transition experimental technologies into operational systems used by the Air Force and Space Force today.

Leaders of AFRL often interact with classified programs and emerging technologies years before they become publicly known, which helps explain why the disappearance of a former commander has drawn unusual attention online.

McCasland retired from the Air Force in 2013 after more than three decades of service. 

Federal Authorities Join the Search

Local authorities in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, are leading the investigation, but federal agencies have provided additional resources as the search expanded.

The FBI’s Albuquerque field office has joined the effort to assist with investigative support and search coordination. 

Federal agencies often provide specialized resources in missing-person cases, including forensic analysis, digital investigations and coordination across jurisdictions.

Authorities have conducted extensive search operations around Albuquerque, including neighborhood canvassing, drone flights and searches with trained K-9 teams.

Volunteers and neighbors have also assisted with the search effort, helping distribute information and examine areas near McCasland’s home where he might have traveled.

So far, investigators have not publicly identified evidence of foul play.

Timeline of the Day He Disappeared

Some of the clearest details about the day McCasland vanished have come from his wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson.

According to information she shared publicly, a repairman visited their home around mid-morning on Feb. 27. Wilkerson later left for a doctor’s appointment, and when she returned about an hour later, McCasland was gone (KRQE News, Albuquerque).

Investigators say his phone and glasses were left behind in the house, while several other items were missing, including his wallet, hiking boots and a .38-caliber revolver. 

The disappearance prompted authorities to issue a Silver Alert and launch a large search effort across the surrounding area.

Wife Pushes Back on Conspiracy Theories

As the case spread online, Wilkerson has repeatedly pushed back against speculation linking her husband’s disappearance to UFO secrets or classified military programs.

In a public Facebook post addressing the rumors, she wrote that her husband had no secret knowledge about extraterrestrial technology or materials.

“Neil does not have any special knowledge about the ET bodies and debris from the Roswell crash stored at Wright-Patt,” she wrote. (People Magazine; Newsweek)

She also said that while McCasland once had access to classified programs during his military career, he retired more than a decade ago and his knowledge would now be outdated.

“It seems quite unlikely that he was taken to extract very dated secrets from him,” she wrote.

Frustrated by the speculation, she later used humor to address the rumors circulating online.

“Though at this point with absolutely no sign of him, maybe the best hypothesis is that aliens beamed him up to the mothership,” she wrote, adding that no sightings had been reported over the nearby Sandia Mountains. 

Her comments highlight how quickly misinformation can spread online when high-profile individuals become the focus of missing-person cases.

Why Conspiracy Theories Are Spreading

Much of the speculation surrounding McCasland’s disappearance stems from his past role overseeing advanced Air Force research programs.

One of the most widely circulated theories online suggests his disappearance could somehow be tied to classified UFO or unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) programs. The speculation has been amplified by McCasland’s brief involvement with a company connected to former Blink-182 musician Tom DeLonge that explored public discussion of UAPs. 

Other theories circulating on social media suggest that McCasland may have had knowledge of secret aerospace or weapons programs that made him a target.

There is currently no evidence supporting those claims, and investigators have not indicated that his former work is connected to his disappearance.

Experts say speculation around national security programs is common whenever high-profile military figures are involved in unexplained events.

The combination of McCasland’s rank, his leadership role in the Air Force’s primary research laboratory and the secrecy that often surrounds advanced defense technology has created a perfect environment for online rumors.

The Search Continues

For now, investigators say their focus remains on locating McCasland and determining what happened after he left his home in late February.

Authorities continue to ask the public to report any information that might assist the investigation.

The disappearance of a retired senior military leader is rare, and for many who once worked alongside him in the defense science community, the unanswered questions surrounding the case remain troubling.

Until authorities uncover new information, the search for McCasland continues, along with the hope that the mystery surrounding his disappearance will soon be resolved.

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{ https://www.military.com/daily-news }

16-03-2026 om 22:08 geschreven door peter