They’re some of the most sterile places on Earth – but scientists have discovered dozens of new bacterial species inside NASA’s cleanrooms.

These facilities are ultra-sanitised, highly controlled spaces where spacecraft and sensitive instruments are built and tested.

They are designed to prevent any form of contamination and to stop unwanted microbes from hitching a ride to other planets.

So experts were left stunned after finding 26 tiny living organisms – all previously unknown bacterial species – in the Kennedy Space Center cleanrooms in Florida.

Despite stringent measures including filtering air, the strict regulation of temperature and humidity and the use of harsh chemical detergents, these microbes have somehow managed to survive.

‘It was a genuine “stop and re-check everything” moment,’ Alexandre Rosado, a professor of Bioscience at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, told Live Science.

Recent analysis of these microbes has shed light on how they can live – and even thrive – in one of the harshest man-made environments on Earth.

And it turns out they have genes that help them resist the effects of radiation and even repair their own DNA.

A selection of the 26 new bacterial species discovered in the cleanroom, despite the facility being ultra-sanitised and highly controlled

The Phoenix Mars Lander in the cleanroom at the Kennedy Space Center. This photograph was taken in 2007, when bacterial samples were collected from the floor

The main goal of cleanrooms is to stop Earth’s organisms contaminating other planets that could potentially contain life.

They also play a crucial role in protecting Earth from potential alien hitchhikers in returned samples.

However, ‘cleanrooms don’t contain “no” life’, Professor Rosado said. ‘Our results show these new species are usually rare but can be found.’

The new species were identified lurking in cleanrooms where NASA assembled its Phoenix Mars Lander in 2007.

They were collected and preserved at the time, and recent advances in DNA technology has allowed scientists to properly analyse them.

The findings, published in the journal Microbiome, read: ‘Maintaining the biological cleanliness of NASA’s mission-associated cleanrooms, where spacecraft are assembled and tested, is critical for planetary protection.

‘Even with stringent controls such as regulated airflow, temperature management and rigorous cleaning, resilient microorganisms can persist in these environments, posing potential risks for space missions.’

The next step, experts said, is to figure out whether any of these tiny organisms could have potentially tolerated conditions during a journey to Mars’ northern polar cap, where Phoenix landed in 2008.

This image shows Phoenix hanging from its parachute as it descended to the Martian surface in 2008

Experts said the next step is to work out whether any of these microorganisms could have survived the trip to the Red Planet. Pictured: The Phoenix Lander on Mars

Professor Rosado said several species do carry genes that may help them adapt to the stresses of spaceflight.

Read More

• A celestial oasis? NASA's Perseverance Rover discovers evidence of tropical rainfall on Mars
  

But their survival would depend on how they handle the harsh conditions of the journey and on the Red Planet itself, including exposure to vacuum, deep cold and high levels of UV.

To explore this further, the team plan to test the microbes inside a ‘planetary simulation chamber’ that could reveal whether they could survive a trip through space.

One is currently being built at JAUST, with its first experiments expected to commence in early 2026.

The team said that beyond space exploration, these microbes hold ‘immense promise’ for biotechnology as their resistance to radiation and chemical stressors could drive innovations in medicine, pharmaceuticals and the food industry.

MARS: THE BASICS

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, with a 'near-dead' dusty, cold, desert world with a very thin atmosphere. 

Mars is also a dynamic planet with seasons, polar ice caps, canyons, extinct volcanoes, and evidence that it was even more active in the past. 

It is one of the most explored planets in the solar system and the only planet humans have sent rovers to explore.

One day on Mars takes a little over 24 hours and a year is 687 Earth days.

Facts and Figures 

Orbital period: 687 days

Surface area: 55.91 million mi²

Distance from Sun: 145 million miles

Gravity: 3.721 m/s²

Radius: 2,106 miles

Moons: Phobos, Deimos

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

30-12-2025 om 17:54 geschreven door peter  

Het Laatste Decennium: 10 jaar Onverklaarde UFO-gevallen uit Project Blue Book

De jaren 60 waren een stuk rustiger voor Project Blue Book

Inleiding

Tegenwoordig is de interesse in UFO’s (Unidentified Flying Objects) en de mogelijkheid van buitenaardse aanwezigheid opnieuw toegenomen. Hoewel deze onderwerpen vaak worden afgedaan als complottheorieën of pseudowetenschap, is de geschiedenis van UFO-onderzoeken rijk aan mysterieuze incidenten die nog altijd vragen oproepen. Een van de meest bekende nationale onderzoeken naar UFO’s uit de Verenigde Staten is Project Blue Book (1952-1969). Dit overheidsinitiatief probeerde de vele rapportages over vreemde objecten in de lucht te onderzoeken en te classificeren. Maar ondanks de uitgebreide documentatie en officiële rapporten blijven veel gevallen onverklaard.

In dit artikel onderzoeken we de onverklaarde gevallen uit het laatste decennium van Project Blue Book, met focus op voorbeelden uit de jaren zestig, en we plaatsen deze in een bredere historische en contextuele kader. Daarbij belichten we ook de zienswijzen, de methodologie van het onderzoek en de mogelijke patronen die uit deze gevallen kunnen worden afgeleid. We bouwen verder op de basis van de originele rapporten, brengen voorbeelden met details, en analyseren de betekenis van deze incidenten binnen het grotere UFO-onderzoek.

Het doel is om niet alleen de feiten te presenteren, maar ook een gestructureerde en uitvoerige analyse te bieden die de lezer een helder inzicht geeft in de complexiteit en de raadsels die de menselijke lucht boven ons blijven bedekken.

Veel UFO-waarnemingen bereikten Project Blue Book niet

Hoofdstuk 1: Het Achtergrondverhaal van Project Blue Book

1.1 Het ontstaan en de doelstellingen van Blue Book

Project Blue Book werd in 1952 gestart onder leiding van het Amerikaanse ministerie van defensie. Het hoofddoel was het onderzoeken van UFO-meldingen die werden gedaan door militaire personeel, piloten, burgerwachten en gewone burgers. Men wilde bepalen of deze verschijnselen een bedreiging vormden voor de nationale veiligheid en of ze technisch verklaarbaar waren.

De onderzoekers probeerden een systematisch aanpak te hanteren: ze verbruikten getuigenverslagen, deden radarbezoeken, en vergeleken waarnemingen. Aanvankelijk was het een serieuze poging om bewijs voor buitenaardse technologie te vinden. Echter, vanaf het begin was er ook sprake van politieke en propagandistische belangen. Men wilde de publieke angst beperken, en rapportages werden soms onderdrukt of aangepast.

1.2 De leiding en de controverse

De eerste leiding van het project was onder leiding van Captain Edward Ruppelt, die bekendstaat als een objectieve en kritische informant over het werk van Blue Book. Ruppelt probeerde de geloofwaardigheid van het onderzoek te behouden en was ervan overtuigd dat er daadwerkelijk onverklaarbare incidenten waren. Nadat Ruppelt in 1953 vertrok, verslechterde de situatie: rapporten werden veel makkelijker afgewezen, en er ontstond een sfeer van onderdrukking en desinformatie.

Bepaalde rapporten werden verwijderd, gecensureerd of neergezet als natuurlijke fenomenen zoals weerballonnen, sterren, sterrenbeelden, of menselijke fouten. Openbare verklaringen werden minder serieus toen duidelijk werd dat het project vooral bedoeld was om de publieke angst te temperen, in plaats van wetenschappelijk onbevooroordeeld te worden.

Toont deze foto een echte UFO?

1.3 De invloed van politieke en militaire belangen

De jaren zestig markeerden een periode van toenemende militaire spanning, met de Koude Oorlog en de Space Race. In die context waren sommige UFO-incidenten mogelijk militaire geheimen of gevechtsvliegdekschepen. De vraag bleef of er soortgelijke verschijnselen technisch verklaarbare oorzaken hadden, of dat ze echt iets bovennatuurlijks of buitenaards waren.

Er was ook sprake van een soort ‘disinfo’ strategie, waarbij men gegevens technische en mysterieus hield om te voorkomen dat vijanden of oppositie zich een beeld konden vormen van nieuwe technologieën of bedreigingen. Veel incidenten konden niet worden verklaard, zelfs niet door geavanceerde radar en sensorische apparatuur.

Kortom, ze sluimerden onder de oppervlakte, en de officiële documenten tonen dat veel rapportages verduisterd of afgewezen werden zonder adequate verklaring.

Hoofdstuk 2: De jaren zestig – Een Bloei van Onverklaarbare Incidenten

2.1 De algemene kenmerken van de waarnemingen

De jaren zestig blijken een bijzonder rijke periode te zijn in termen van UFO-waarnemingen. Uit de rapporten blijkt dat veel waarnemingen zich herhaalden: opvallende lichten, ongewone vormen, grote objecten die stilhielden of plotseling snelheden bereikten die klassieke technologie niet kon halen.

De getuigen variëren van militairen en piloten tot gewone burgers, zoals boeren, studenten, en politieagenten. Betrouwbare getuigen zoals piloten en ervaren militairen meldden incidenten die met radar en visuele waarnemingen werden ondersteund. Dat maakt deze gevallen extra interessant, omdat zij de mogelijkheid bieden om waarnemingen vanuit verschillende bronnen te vergelijken.

Veel UFO-waarnemingen hadden meerdere getuigen

2.2 Voorbeelden van opmerkelijke incidenten uit de jaren zestig

Laten we enkele incidenten in detail bekijken.

a) Het geval van de grote driehoek in Kansas (1961)

In de nacht van 3 januari 1961 meldde een politieagent in Kansas een indrukwekkende driehoekvormige ufo die stil zweefde boven de snelweg. De ufo was ongeveer 200 voet breed, draaide langzaam en leek geen geluid te maken. Toen de agent naderbij kwam, sloeg het object plotseling snel weg en verdween. Het had een glanzend oppervlak en leek uit meerdere lagen te bestaan.

Wat dit incident uniek maakt, is dat het niet alleen visueel werd waargenomen, maar ook radarbevestiging kreeg. Verschillende radarvelden registreerden de bewegingen van het object, wat de onbevooroordeelde wetenschappelijke waarde verhoogt. Het werd ook bevestigd door meerdere getuigen in de omgeving. Dit soort gevallen, waarbij radar- en visuele gegevens overeenkomen, wordt beschouwd als zeer moeilijk te verklaren.

b) Het waarnemingsincident van Michigan (1966)

In Michigan werden meerdere mensen tegelijkertijd getuige van een groot, ringvormig object dat traag door de lucht bewoog. Het object had een halo effect en leek een blauwachtige gloed uit te stralen. Sommige getuigen rapporteerden dat het object zich splitste in kleinere delen en verdween achter de bomen of zich snel vervolmaakte naar een punt.

Het interessante was dat dit fenomeen meerdere keren werd gemeld door olika mensen in korte tijd, en dat enkele waarnemingen werden ondersteund door radardata van nabijgelegen luchthavens. Het verband tussen visuele waarnemingen en radarvermeldingen suggereert dat er werkelijk een fysiek object aanwezig was dat op de een of andere manier niet bekend was.

2.3 Sporen en fysieke effecten

Veel onverklaarde waarnemingen gaan gepaard met fysieke effecten, zoals intense hitte, elektromagnetische verstoringen, en zelfs schade aan apparatuur. Bijvoorbeeld, in een incident in Oklahoma (1962) werd een klein vliegtuig achtervolgd door een rood-oranje vuurbol die zich snel door de lucht bewoog. De piloot meldde dat zijn navigatiesysteem stoorde en dat er een warmtegevoel op de huid was. Sommige onderzoekers vermoeden dat dergelijke fenomenen antimagnetische of energiewaardevolle eigenschappen bezitten.

Wat hebben de twee getuigen die avond precies gezien?

2.4 Voorbeelden van andere opvallende gevallen

• De ‘lighthouse’ in New York (1962): meerdere getuigen meldden een grote, heldere lichtbron die boven de skyline hing. De lichtsterkte deed denken aan een kustlamp, maar bevond zich op een plaats waar geen natuurlijke lichtbronnen bekend waren.

• De landingspoging van een klein object in Oklahoma (1962): getuigen zagen dat een klein, dik object leek te landen en dat er uit het object een man uit een voertuig stapte die zich vreemd gedroeg. Dit soort ‘bijzondere’ waarnemingen roept vragen op over buitenaardse en menselijke factoren.

Hoofdstuk 3: Analyse van de patronen en kenmerken

3.1 De herhaling van kenmerken en patronen

Een belangrijke bevinding uit de verzamelde rapporten is de consistentie: vele waarnemingen delen kenmerken zoals:

• Lichtfenomenen die in verschillende vormen verschijnen: cirkels, driehoeken, cilinders, en kubussen.
• Snelle bewegingen en plotselinge snelheden die de technologische mogelijkheden van de jaren zestig overtreffen.
• Stilstaande of langzaam bewegende objecten, vaak met het vermogen om van vorm te veranderen.
• Felle lichten die van kleur variëren, vooral rood, geel, blauw en groen.
• Geluiden die vaak ontbreken of erg zacht zijn, hoewel sommige getuigen zingen dat ze harde kreunen of sissende geluiden hoorden.

3.2 Radar- en sensorwaarnemingen

De combinatie van visuele waarneming met radarbevestiging is een belangrijke indicator voor de objectiviteit van sommige incidenten. Vooral in militaire en luchthavendossiers blijkt wel dat bepaalde objecten niet alleen visueel, maar ook via radar werden gevolgd en dat ze zich niet konden aanpassen aan bestaande technologie of natuurlijke verschijnselen.

Meldingen van UFO-waarnemingen bleven afnemen voor Blue Book naarmate de jaren '60 vorderden

3.3 fysieke en elektromagnetische effecten

Veel incidenten tonen dat objecten elektromagnetische verstoringen kunnen veroorzaken. Dit viel op in gevallen waar vliegtuigen en communicatieapparatuur uitvallen bij de waarneming van de UFO. Daarnaast worden lichaamseffecten gerapporteerd, zoals warmte, tintelingen en waterige ogen. Sommige onderzoekers vermoeden dat deze verschijnselen te maken hebben met energiegolven die door de objecten worden uitgezonden.

3.4 De rol van de publieke en militaire perceptie

In de jaren zestig was de publieke belangstelling voor UFO’s groot, vooral met de opkomst van de televisiekunst en de nieuwe media. Overheidsrapporten proberen vaak de incidenten te ‘verdammen’ door ze te labelen als natuurlijke fenomenen, menselijke fouten, of ballon- en weerballonnen. Maar de herhaalde onverklaarbare incidenten wijzen op een complex samenspel van natuurlijke en technologische factoren die nog niet volledig zijn begrepen.

Hoofdstuk 4: Conclusies en Reflecties

4.1 De blijvende onverklaarbaarheid

Ondanks de inspanningen van Project Blue Book en de technologische vooruitgang, blijven veel incidenten onverklaard. Vaak wordt er gesuggereerd dat bepaalde fenomenen een bewijs vormen voor buitenaardse intelligentie, terwijl andere mogelijk natuurlijke of menselijke oorzaken hebben.

Ondanks dat er een UFO-golf was, kwamen er in 1964 weinig meldingen bij Blue Book binnen

4.2 Het belang van herziening en onderzoek

Veel gevallen uit de jaren zestig worden nog steeds bestudeerd door UFO-onderzoekers en historische wetenschappers. Het herzien van oude dossiers kan patronen blootleggen die voorheen niet zichtbaar waren, en kan zelfs nieuwe technologieën behulpzaam maken bij de analyse van historische waarnemingen.

In 1966 nam het aantal Blue Book-onderzoeken toe

4.3 De vraag of we echt alleen zijn

De confrontatie met onverklaarbare incidenten benadrukt dat de lucht en de ruimte boven ons vol raadsels blijven. Of deze verschijnselen nu buitenaards, natuurlijke, of door menselijke technologieën veroorzaakt zijn, ze blijven mysterieus en relevant voor de menselijke nieuwsgierigheid en wetenschap.

4.4 Toekomstperspectief

Met de huidige toename aan technologie en sensoren, en de hernieuwde belangstelling van overheden zoals de Amerikaanse Pentagon en NASA, wordt aangenomen dat er meer data en inzichten zullen komen. Openbare transparantie en wetenschappelijk onderzoek kunnen uiteindelijk bepalen of we ooit het antwoord vinden op de vraag: Zijn we echt alleen in de kosmos?

Het verhelderende auto-incident is een van de meest intrigerende die ooit is vastgelegd

Slotwoord

De afgelopen tien jaar laten zien dat de onverklaarde UFO-gevallen niet enkel een fascinerende verzameling raadsels vormen, maar ook een venster bieden op de limieten van onze kennis. Door de historische incidenten te bestuderen en patronen te zoeken, kunnen we misschien op termijn meer begrip krijgen van deze mysteries die ons al decennia lang uitdagen. Het blijft een boeiende uitdaging voor wetenschappers, overheden en nieuwsgierigen om verder te kijken dan de horizon en de waarheid boven tafel te krijgen.

De korte video hieronder onderzoekt de mogelijkheid van UFO's en buitenaards leven.

{ PETER2011 }

29-12-2025 om 23:01 geschreven door peter  

What’s Up with the New Spielberg Movie?

By Bob Spearing - MUFON Director of International Development

Anyone who knows anyone aware of anything happening on UFO Street right now knows that Steven Spielberg is re-entering the UFO movie field after several decades, following his monumental successes with ET and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But why now?

Personally, I think Close Encounters is a monumental Hollywood success and sucked me into this community based on my own personal experiences that Spielberg seemed to understand. But why now?! Indeed! I certainly don't want to give Spielberg free press here because I don't know his motives apart from the fact that he needs to make money for the studio.

It will undoubtedly be a mega-blockbuster.

It will also skew public opinion in a certain direction. Be careful of the magician showing youhis left hand while his right hand receives you. Is Spielberg part of the cabal? Real or not?

Also, it’s just good ole' product placement, to be honest. Know your audience. Hollywood thrives on this! UAP is the hottest topic in the universe right now because the public is craving answers, and there seems to be a slow rollout by the government and its various mouthpieces that disclosure may be near. OR NOT. Think of how worldwide audiences are being seduced by the 3i/ATLAS affair based on virtually nothing. 

You've got the all everywhere at all times, Lue Elizondo, and a supporting cast of George Knapp, David Grusch, Cris Mellon, Hal Putoff, Eric Davis, Jeremy Corbell, Robert Bigelow, and the folks at Skinwalker, and as if late, a scientist or two at Lockheed, claiming to have reverse-engineered weird stuff, possibly from the future. That stuff is similar to what mysteriously disappeared from a USPS box intended for MUFON, which all adds to the mystery and intrigue. Just stay in the loop! They rob us from time to time! Isn’t that to be expected, though?

On the governmental side, we have advocates for disclosure like Representatives Anna Luna, Tim Burchett, Andre Carson, and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and the late Harry Reid, who got the whole gig going by funding AATIP, which has morphed into the mess that is the less-than-useless All Doman Resolution Office (AARO.) Let's not leave out those photo pixelating folks at NASA also. 

We have endless Congressional Hearings, with the latest being held by Representative Nancy Mace. If you go back to the glory days of Ufology, NICAP was reaching out to our Congressional members as far back as the late 50s. Yet we reinvent the wheel every 5 years or so. With no results. EVER. Or at least, if you are privileged enough to get the skinny in a Congressional briefing behind closed doors in the "SCIF. You are golden! Why nothing for us, the public?" LOL! What a fix!

So, what gives? Is Spielberg a truly independent filmmaker, or is his new movie, rumored to be  entitled "Disclosure"; a life-like interpretation of an alien contact, or is it like propaganda to keep the UFO Community begging for more per governmental requirements?

Interestingly, when Spielberg was in consultations with J Allen Hynek and Jacque Vallee, on Close Encounters, Vallee (brilliantly portrayed by the late Francois Truffet in the movie), Vallee suggested at the time that maybe it wasn't aliens but something far different. And perhaps even more exotic and anomalous. I remember that. Do you? Exactly!

At the time, Spielberg’s response, to paraphrase, was that people wanted aliens.

I think on this point, 40 years later, Vallee will be on the winning side of this argument. It’s far more weird than we ever considered, and is Spielberg finally catching up, or is he being directed?

Spielberg is intimating perhaps it's not aliens at all but humans from 500,000 years in the future!

Why that number? Why not 100 years from now or 1,000? What a grand departure from 40-plus years ago in his thinking. But is it his thinking or putting out the party line? Things have changed since the 80s. Where did he come up with the 500,000-year number? Out of whole cloth? Or is he privy to something we do not know about or never will because we are not part of the enlightened elite like him?

The initial ad for Spielberg’s new movie is very cryptic, the first ad showing what appears to be a bird’s head with a human eye. That, at least, is my interpretation. It’s cryptic indeed. Maybe it's?the dinosaurs coming back? I hope that's not the Jurassic plot. I really hope not!

Even still, that would suggest a nod towards human evolution and a complete erasure of his Close Encounters of the 1980s concerning aliens. 

It also, in a way, leads to a theory of time travel. Are aliens US from a far, far future?

Is the government’s hand being forced now by human tools in the form of whistleblowers, preparing us for some revelation? Interrupting or even destroying their disclosure plans. Is it a giantclusterf…! If so, who is in charge? Governments or whistleblowers throwing everything on its head!? I guess that whistleblowers will be the first to lose!

What happens next?

There is a certain angst in the reluctance to fulfill disclosure. WHY? In some circles, including?intimations from prominent UFO spokespersons, that the reality of who is operating these.UFO/UAP are of such dire reality that the public cannot absorb it all at once. If this is true, we?certainly face a dark and dystopian reality that could destroy civilization when disclosure actually occurs! Then again, is it all a psyop?

In the final analysis, considering longstanding free and open grassroots organizations like MUFON and NUFORC are under attack like never before, with the sudden appearance of the Department of War entities like AARO, other governmental entities under serious suspicion, and factual disregard like NASA, and the sudden appearance of mysterious private corporations like Enigma Labs, funded by billionaire Peter Thiel, with multi-billion dollar contracts held with the

Department of War via his Palantir company, YOU, the public, YOU, the UFO Street, should be very, very, very concerned that what is going down might be the largest “Psyop” in human. history. A perfect storm of cooperation between government, military, media, the entertainment establishment, and industry ever conceived to hide the truth from us all. 

Be very careful when you submit your UFO report. Do you want it to go into useless black holeslike AARO, NASA, Enigma, or even worse, tiny little startups that come and go like the?  International UFO Bureau, or do you want an established organization like MUFON with over 700 certified field investigators from numerous forensic backgrounds reaching out to you in real time getting the job done? Real investigations that the government has zero access to?

We have been doing the Air Force’s job since 1969! No one owns us! NO-ONE!

Our database has 145,099 cases. 

Report your encounter to:

• https://mufoncms.com/public_report/

Consider joining us at:

• www.mufon.com/join

RELATED VIDEOS

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29-12-2025 om 21:43 geschreven door peter  

The biggest unanswered questions in the Bible

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The biggest unanswered questions in the Bible
The Bible remains the best-selling book of all time, but to this day scholars and theologists debate on a number of inconsistencies. Indeed, many parts of the Bible have been confirmed to be true by science. As for others, well, not quite. In fact, some parts of the Bible remain a complete mystery.

Curious to learn what the biggest unanswered questions in the Bible are? Then read through!

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The location of the Garden of Eden
The original home of Adam and Eve, from where they were cast out by God, remains one of the mysterious locations in the Bible.

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The location of the Garden of Eden
It is true that the whole story can be interpreted as a metaphor, but what if one interprets it literally? Where would the Garden of Eden be located, after all? We can find some hints in Genesis 2.

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The location of the Garden of Eden
Genesis 2:10 says that, “A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers” (the specific wording depends on the Bible translation). And then it mentions their names: Pishon, Gihon, Hiddekel (the Tigris), and Phirat (the Euphrates).

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The location of the Garden of Eden
This hint has led to speculations that the Garden of Eden was located either in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq and Kuwait), or modern-day Turkey or Armenia. Though the specific location has, thus far, not been located.

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There are two creation stories
In Genesis 1, God creates male and female at the same time. But then, in the very next chapter, Genesis 2, God created a woman from a man’s rib.

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There are two creation stories
Not only that, but even God himself is described as having two different names: Elohim in the first account, and YHWH in the second.

Metaphorical interpretation aside, there are indeed two different versions of the creation story. Sure, these may have been an editorial mistake when putting the Bible together, but still, which story should we trust and why?

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Who were the "sons of God?"
Genesis 6:2 says that, “The sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.” So who were these “sons of God,” after all?

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Who were the "sons of God?"
There are various interpretations of who the "sons of God" were. Some theories point to fallen angels, while others say they might be the descendants of Seth (one of Adam and Eve's children). The Bible, however, doesn’t really tell us who they were for sure.

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What really happened to the Ark of the Covenant?
The Ark of the Covenant, which is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, contains the Ten Commandments tablets. But whatever happened to such an important piece of Biblical history?

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What really happened to the Ark of the Covenant?
There is a theory that the Ark ended up in Ethiopia and it’s in Aksum today, where it’s guarded by a monk. Other theories point to the Ark being hidden somewhere beneath Jerusalem. To this day, no one has found it.

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Who is Lucifer?
He’s Satan, right? Well, there’s more to it, actually. Isaiah 14:12-17 mentions the story of Lucifer, however, you won’t find any connection to Satan or the Devil. Just that he’s a fallen angel who was cast down to earth by God for wanting to be above him.

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Who is Lucifer?
But then Luke 10:18-20 mentions Satan falling "like lightning from heaven." So, yes, it seems like Lucifer and Satan fell down from heaven, but are they the same? It is possible that the connection between the two was made after the Bible was written.

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Who is Lucifer?
So, who is Lucifer, after all? Some theories point to the hypothesis that Lucifer was a reference to a Babylonian ruler. Another theory says that Lucifer was simply the Latin word for “morning star,” but the truth is that no one knows for sure.

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What happened during the "lost years" of Jesus?
Not much is documented in the Bible about Jesus’ so-called "lost years." So what was Jesus up to between the ages of 12 and 30, after all?

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What happened during the "lost years" of Jesus?
Some theories say Jesus stayed in Nazareth, while others say he went to study elsewhere. Locations range from Alexandria, in Egypt, to India.

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What happened during the "lost years" of Jesus?
It is possible that Jesus studied with the Jewish mystic group the Essenes, or that he traveled as far as Britain with his uncle Joseph of Arimathea, who was a tin trader. The truth is that there is no solid evidence of any of these hypotheses.

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How did humanity multiply?
Okay, so Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden and went on to have babies. But then for humans to multiply they had to intermarry, right? After all, there were no other humans around.

©Shutterstock

How did humanity multiply?
Not only does it sound wrong, but scientifically speaking this wouldn’t have worked out. We need genetic diversity to thrive as healthy humans. So what gives?

©Getty Images

How did humanity multiply?
Well, one theory says that God either prevented genetic disorders that would likely happen from incestuous relationships, or that, indeed, he created more than two humans.

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What happened to the lost tribes of Israel?
Both the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah were formed by 12 tribes of Hebrew people. While there is historical evidence of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (which formed the Kingdom of Judah and are considered the ancestors of modern Jews), the remaining 10 tribes are not well documented.

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What happened to the lost tribes of Israel?
The tribes were reportedly overtaken by Assyria and exiled from the Kingdom of Israel. But where did they go? Some theories say they traveled to Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, Ethiopia, and even as far as Asia and North America.

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What happened to the lost tribes of Israel?
It is also possible that they merged with other non-Hebraic cultures and their traditions faded away over the years. Despite all the theories, no one knows for sure what happened to the lost tribes of Israel.

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Where is Noah’s Ark?
It is true that the Great Flood might have happened (though not on a global scale as the Bible mentions). But if Noah’s Ark did, too, what happened to it?

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Where is Noah’s Ark?
Over the years, numerous theories have emerged, and 'evidence' has been found, though none was robust enough or indeed conclusive.

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Where is Noah’s Ark?
One example includes wooden fragments discovered on Turkey's Mount Ararat. Being made of wood, it’s very possible that if the Ark ever existed, it rotted and disappeared over the years.

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What happened to Enoch and Elijah?
The Bible says that Enoch (the father of the 969-year-old Methuselah), one of the 'two witnesses,' "walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." But what does that mean? Did he die? Did he join God in heaven?

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What happened to Enoch and Elijah?
According to Kings 2 2:1, Elijah, the other witness, who was a prophet, “Went up by a whirlwind into heaven” in a chariot of fire. If indeed this was a description of his death, why did he ascend to heaven? He was a man, after all.

Sources:

• (Grunge)

See also:

•  Rediscovering the lost books of the Bible

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{ starsinsider.com }

29-12-2025 om 21:19 geschreven door peter  

6 'lost' cities archaeologists have never found

A Chinook helicopter flies over a stretch of desert in Iraq. Many ancient cities that have not been found are in the Middle East. 

(Image credit: Owen Franken/Getty Images)

Archaeologists have been very busy excavating lost civilizations, but they haven't found everything. There are still prominent ancient cities, including capitals of large kingdoms and empires, that have never been unearthed by scholars.

We know these cities exist because ancient texts describe them, but their location may be lost to time.

In a few cases, looters have found these cities, and have looted large numbers of artifacts from them. But these robbers have not come forward to reveal their location. In this countdown Live Science takes a look at six ancient cities whose whereabouts are unknown.

1. Irisagrig

Not long after the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, thousands of ancient tablets from a city called "Irisagrig" began appearing on the antiquities market. From the tablets, scholars could tell that Irisagrig was in Iraq and flourished around 4,000 years ago.

Those tablets reveal that the rulers of the ancient city lived in palaces that housed many dogs. They also kept lions which were fed cattle. Those that took care of the lions, referred to as "lion shepherds," got rations of beer and bread. The inscriptions also mention a temple dedicated to Enki, a god of mischief and wisdom, and say that festivals were sometimes held within the temple.

Scholars think that looters found and looted Irisagrig around the time the 2003 U.S. invasion took place. Archaeologists have not found the city so far and the looters who did have not come forward and identified where it is.

2. Itjtawy

Egyptian pharaoh Amenemhat I (reign circa 1981 to 1952 B.C.) ordered a new capital city built. This capital was known as "Itjtawy" and the name can be translated as "the seizer of the Two Lands" or "Amenemhat is the seizer of the Two Lands." As the name suggests Amenemhat faced a considerable amount of turmoil. His reign ended with his assassination.

Despite Amenemhat's assassination, Itjtawy would remain the capital of Egypt until around 1640 B.C, when the northern part of Egypt was taken over by a group known as the "Hyksos," and the kingdom fell apart.

While Itjtawy has not been found, archaeologists think it is located somewhere near the site of Lisht, in central Egypt. This is partly because many elite burials, including a pyramid belonging to Amenemhat I, are located at Lisht.

3. Akkad

The city of Akkad (also called Agade) was the capital of the Akkadian Empire, which flourished between 2350 and 2150 B.C. At its peak the empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to Anatolia. Many of its conquests occurred during the reign of "Sargon of Akkad," who lived sometime around 2300 B.C. One of the most important structures in Akkad itself was the "Eulmash," a temple dedicated to Ishtar, a goddess associated with war, beauty and fertility.

Akkad has never been found, but it is thought to have been built somewhere in Iraq. Ancient records indicate that the city was destroyed or abandoned when the Akkadian empire ended around 2150 B.C.

4. Al-Yahudu

Al-Yahudu, a name which means "town" or "city" of Judah, was a place in the Babylonian empire where Jews lived after the kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 B.C. He sent part of the population into exile, a practice the Babylonians often engaged in after conquering a region.

About 200 tablets from the settlement are known to exist and they indicate that the exiled people who lived in this settlement kept their faith and used Yahweh, the name of God, in their names. Al-Yahudu's location has not been identified by archaeologists, but like many of these lost cities, was likely located in what is now Iraq. Given that the tablets showed up on the antiquities market, and there is no record of them being found in an archaeological excavation, it appears that at some point looters succeeded in finding its location.

5. Waššukanni

Waššukanni was the capital city of the Mitanni empire, which existed between roughly 1550 B.C. and 1300 B.C. and included parts of northeastern Syria, southern Anatolia and northern Iraq. It faced intense competition from the Hittite empire in the north and the Assyrian empire in the south and its territory was gradually lost to them.

Waššukanni has never been found and some scholars think that it may be located in northeastern Syria. The people who lived in the capital, and indeed throughout much of its empire, were known as the "Hurrians" and they had their own language which is known today from ancient texts.

6. Thinis

Thinis (also known as Tjenu) was an ancient city in southern Egypt that flourished early in the ancient civilization's history. According to the ancient writer Manetho, it was where some of the early kings of Egypt ruled from around 5,000 years ago, when Egypt was being unified. Egypt's capital was moved to Memphis a bit after unification and Thinis became the capital of a nome (a province of Egypt) during the Old Kingdom (circa 2649 to 2150 B.C.) period, Ali Seddik Othman, an inspector with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, noted in an article published in the Journal of Abydos.

Thinis has never been identified although it is believed to be near Abydos, which is in southern Egypt. This is partly because many elite members of society, including royalty, were buried near Abydos around 5,000 years ago.

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29-12-2025 om 20:21 geschreven door peter  

2 meter UFO spins, attaches to space station, flies off! UAP paranormal sighting news 👽 Dec 27, 2025 👀

Guys I recorded this yesterday in Taiwan, I haven’t been able to update my site because I’m doing it from my phone right now. I’m busy doing medical stuff, Ct scans etc in a hospital and so my blog is updated less than my YouTube channel. 

This UFO flying in front of the space station is just absolute proof that aliens exist, fly near and land on the hull of the space station. This is several spinning diamonds that change color, shine brightly so they want to be seen. Read the comments on YouTube below the video, eye opening thoughts. 

Scott C. Waring wish me luck at the hospital. 

2 meter UFO spins, attaches to space station, flies off! UAP paranormal sighting news 👽 Dec 27, 2025

• https://youtube.com/watch?v=XvM6g4rMOdU&si=5EQT_LZ04eqZ50Hy

{ https://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/ }

29-12-2025 om 18:04 geschreven door peter  

The usual annual highlights include eclipses, full moons, and meteor showers. But let’s look a little further into the future. Here are the most spectacular cosmic events expected to occur before the end of 2100.

The flight of the asteroid Apophis

The first major spectacle, which previously gained notoriety due to distorted media reports, awaits us on April 13, 2029. The asteroid Apophis, with a diameter of 370 m, will fly by at a distance of only 32,000 km from Earth – closer than satellites in geostationary orbit.

Its discovery caused concern. However, more accurate calculations have almost completely ruled out a collision with Earth in this century. Nevertheless, the 2029 flyby is a unique opportunity for science, as such a close approach occurs only about once every 800 years.

The return of Halley’s Comet

The last perihelion of the famous Halley’s Comet took place in 1986. The next return of the tailed guest is expected in 2061. Moreover, next time there will be the most favorable conditions for its observation, because it will be 9 times brighter. It will be a wonderful object for observation. In addition, the comet is expected to meet with Venus, which promises an additional spectacle.

V Sagittae

This faint star in the constellation Sagitta has been slowly but steadily brightening since the early 20th century. Astronomers believe it is a binary system, where two stars are gradually moving closer together. The most popular theory says that towards the end of the century, around 2083±10 years, these stars may merge. This will cause a powerful explosion – the birth of a new or even supernova star. V Sagittae may shine brighter than Sirius in the sky and be visible even during the day for weeks or months.

The Great Conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn

These two giant planets come together in the sky every 20 years. But not every conjunction is clearly visible. In 2040, the phenomenon will be moderate, but in September of that year, all visible planets will line up in a row, creating a beautiful sight.

But the most important conjunction will be in 2080. That is when Jupiter and Saturn will come extremely close together – at a distance similar to the record set in 2020. They will also be far from the blinding glare of the Sun, providing ideal conditions for observation around the world.

Unpredictable events

The century also promises surprises that cannot be accurately dated at this time:

• Flashes of new meteor showers, more powerful than the famous Leonids.
• The explosion of a supernova in our Milky Way galaxy, the first in many centuries.
• Bright comets that are currently located far away in the outer Solar System.
• Interstellar objects, which were first officially confirmed only in the last decade, and since 2017, three such “guests” have been officially detected.

Despite the forecasts, the main thing is to remain attentive to the sky. The most memorable astronomical events often come unexpectedly.

Earlier, we talked about the TOP 10 astronomical discoveries of 2025.

• Provided by iflscience.com

• Posted in News, Science

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

29-12-2025 om 17:56 geschreven door peter  

Deep inside the Earth, at the boundary between the mantle and the outer core, there are so-called ultra-low velocity zones – areas that seem to be unaffected by the fiery chaos raging in the depths. Now, scientists claim to have unraveled their mystery.

Ultra-low speed zones

At the very center of our planet is a solid inner core. Between it and the crust, matter is in a very hot and liquid state and is divided into two layers: the outer core and the mantle above it. Recently, the journal Nature Communications published a study by scientists from the Institute of Earth Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in which they attempted to unravel one of the mysteries lurking at the point of their collision.

The fact is that the 300-kilometer layer at the boundary between the outer core and the mantle, i.e., at a depth of 2,900 km, has a complex structure. Complex processes of mass and heat exchange take place there, but at the same time, there are relatively small areas of up to 100 km in size that are characterized by extremely low seismic activity and high density.

They are called ultra-low velocity zones. It is believed that they have a significant impact on the processes occurring in this boundary layer, but scientists still do not understand where they come from.

Thermal insulation materials

Researchers have tackled this mystery in their latest work. They used ultra-fast optical spectroscopy in combination with diamond cells with a high-pressure and high-temperature anvil. This allowed them to study the properties of the iron-rich magnesiowüstite, which may make up the low-velocity zones.

Usually, minerals rich in metal have high thermal conductivity; they are like natural radiators for heating systems, but in magnesiowüstite, this indicator turned out to be extremely low. Simply put, it is a good heat insulator.

Scientists now understand that ultra-low velocity zones are actually pieces of heavy thermal insulation floating in viscous, molten material and altering the flows within it. Further research will reveal how this occurs.

• Provided by: phys.org

• Posted in News, Science

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

29-12-2025 om 17:42 geschreven door peter  

The real cost of climate change: Heatwaves, wildfires, droughts and storms cost the world more than $120 BILLION in 2025, study reveals

• READ MORE: Britain's worst-case climate scenario laid bare

By WILIAM HUNTER, SENIOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY REPORTER

A study has laid bare the shocking true cost of climate change as heatwaves, wildfires, droughts and storms cause havoc around the world.

The 10 most costly climate disasters alone cost the world more than $120 billion (£88.78 billion) in 2025, according to a report from Christian Aid.

Each was made significantly more likely and more devastating by the effects of human-caused climate change.

And scientists warn that these calculations only reflect insured losses, with the true cost of climate-influenced disasters likely to have been even higher.

America took the brunt of the damage this year as the Palisades and Eaton wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January.

This devastating fire alone caused more than $60 billion (£44.4 billion) in damages and killed 40 people.

This was followed by the cyclones which struck Southeast Asia, causing $25 billion (£18.5) in damage and killing more than 1,750 people across Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam and Malaysia.

The researchers also highlighted 10 less costly but equally shocking climate disasters, including the destructive wildfires which struck the UK this summer.

The 10 most costly climate disasters cost the world more than $120 billion (£88.78 billion) in 2025. The most damaging were January's Los Angeles Wildfires, which caused more than $60 billion (£44.4 billion) in damages and killed 40 people

Scientists have gathered a vast amount of evidence showing a clear, incontrovertible connection between a warming climate and more intense climate disasters.

It is not that human-caused climate change creates extreme weather events, but it does make them more likely to occur and more intense when they do.

Dr Davide Faranda, Research Director in Climate Physics in the Laboratoire de Science du Climat et de l'Environnement (LSCE), who was not involved in the report, says: 'The events documented in this report are not isolated disasters or acts of nature.

'They are the predictable outcome of a warmer atmosphere and hotter oceans, driven by decades of fossil fuel emissions.'

In this report, researchers have tallied the total costs of the biggest disasters that have been intensified by the changing climate.

Even though extreme weather events in rich countries where property prices are higher typically incur greater costs, the worst-affected countries have been poorer.

Of the six most costly climate disasters in 2025, four hit Asia for a combined cost of $48 billion (£35.5 billion).

That includes devastating floods which struck China in June and August, killing more than 30 people and creating $11.7 billion (£8.6 billion) of damage.

Four of the six most costly climate disasters were in Asia, including cyclones that struck Southeast Asia, causing $25 billion (£18.5) in damage and killing more than 1,750 people. Pictured: People flee flood waters in Hat Yai, Southern Thailand 

China experienced some of the most severe flooding in recent history, as rising waters killed more than 30 people and created $11.7 billion (£8.6 billion) of damage. Pictured: Flood-affected areas in Congjiang, southwestern China

Throughout 2025, China was hit by devastating floods in regions where such weather was previously unheard of, as unusually high rainfall followed months of drought.

This year also saw the Caribbean face the 'storm of the century' as Hurricane Melissa made landfall over Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, costing at least $8 billion (£5.9 billion).

Since hurricanes are driven by warm ocean waters, humans' continued creation of planet-warming greenhouse gases directly contributes towards making these storms more frequent and more powerful.

In a cooler world without climate change, a Melissa–type hurricane would have made landfall once every 8,000 years, according to research.

But in today's climate, with 1.3°C warming, it has become four times more likely – with such an event now expected once every 1,700 years.

Professor Joanna Haigh, an atmospheric physicist from Imperial College London, who was not involved in the report, says: 'These disasters are not "natural" - they are the inevitable result of continued fossil fuel expansion and political delay.

'The world is paying an ever-higher price for a crisis we already know how to solve. While the costs run into the billions, the heaviest burden falls on communities with the least resources to recover.'

However, no inhabited continent on Earth was unaffected by climate disasters this year.

Jamaica was hit by the 'storm of the century' as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, costing at least $8 billion (£5.9 billion).

Pictured: Destroyed houses in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica

Scientists say that climate change warmed the waters over which Hurricane Melissa (pictured) formed, making the deadly storm four times as likely 

Besides the 10 most destructive events, Christian Aid also analysed 10 other extreme weather incidents that have lower financial cost but are equally concerning.

Chief among these are the enormous wildfires that burned through large parts of the UK in late summer this year.

Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, fire crews responded to the highest number of wildfire incidents on record, with over 1,000 separate outbreaks by early September.

Early estimates suggest that more than 47,000 hectares (184 square miles) of forest, moorland, and heath were burned - the largest annual area since records began.

In June, the Carrbridge and Dava Moor blaze consumed 11,000 hectares (42.5 square miles) of land to become the UK's first recorded 'mega fire'.

According to climate and wildfire researchers, the increased intensity and frequency of these blazes were a direct product of climate change.

An exceptionally wet winter followed by one of the hottest, driest springs on record led to an unusually large amount of dead, dry plant matter that fuelled the fires.

Likewise, the report points to the Iberian Wildfires, which were caused by record-breaking extreme temperatures.

Outside of the 10 most expensive events, the report also tracked a number of notable climate incidents. These included the record-breaking wildfires, which destroyed 47,000 hectares (184 square miles) of forest, moorland, and heath in the UK. Pictured: Wildfires rage in the Isle of Arran, Scotland 

Spain and Portugal were also hit by the Iberian Wildfires, which were caused by record-breaking extreme temperatures. Pictured: Fires burning in Vesu, Portugal 

Weeks of extreme heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), combined with low humidity, created explosive fire conditions.

These fires consumed 383,000 hectares (1,480 square miles) in Spain and 260,000 hectares (1,000 square miles) in Portugal - about three per cent of the country's land.

Preliminary estimates suggest that these fires caused direct economic losses of $810 million (£600 million).

Read More

• 2025 is on track to become the UK's hottest year on RECORD, the Met Office reveals 

Scientists estimate that climate change made this event around 40 times more likely and increased the intensity of fire conditions by about 30 per cent.

The report also analysed Japan's year of extreme weather, after the country was battered by back-to-back snowstorms and heatwaves. 

Unusually heavy snowstorms and winds killed 12 people and destroyed several houses at the start of the year, followed by the hottest summer ever recorded, with average temperatures 2.36°C (4.25°F) above the average.

Scientists call this phenomenon 'climate whiplash', and research shows that it is likely to become more common as climate change alters global weather patterns.

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

29-12-2025 om 17:33 geschreven door peter  

Five senses? Try 33! Scientist claims humans have dozens of 'hidden' senses – here's how to harness their powers

• READ MORE: Scientists say the human body has a 'hidden' SIXTH sense

By SHIVALI BEST, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR 

Growing up, most of us learned about the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. 

But it's time to rewrite the science textbooks – at least if one scientist has anything to do with it. 

Professor Barry Smith, Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London, claims that humans don't just have five senses. 

Instead, he says there are anywhere between 22 and 33 senses. 

'Aristotle told us there were five senses,' he explained in an article for The Conversation. 

'But he also told us the world was made up of five elements and we no longer believe that. 

'And modern research is showing we may actually have dozens of senses.'

Scroll down for the full list of hidden senses – and how you can harness their powers. 

Professor Barry Smith, Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London, claims that humans don't just have five senses. Instead, he says there are anywhere between 22 and 33 senses (artist's impression)

Professor Smith's reasoning is that all almost everything we do is multisensory. 

'What we feel affects what we see and what we see affects what we hear,' he explained.

'Different odours in shampoo can affect how you perceive the texture of hair. 

'The fragrance of rose makes hair seem silkier, for instance.

'Odours in low–fat yogurts can make them feel richer and thicker on the palate without adding more emulsifiers. 

'Perception of odours in the mouth, rising to the nasal passage, are modified by the viscosity of the liquids we consume.'

While the exact number of senses humans have remains unclear, Professor Smith says it could be as many as 33. 

This includes proprioception (by which we know where our limbs are without looking at them) and interoception.

 Interoception operates through a network of neural pathways (artist's impression), deep within the body. For this reason, the researchers have dubbed it the 'hidden sixth sense'

What is the sixth sense?

The sixth sense is known as 'interoception'.

It helps us to feel and interpret internal signals that regulate vital functions in our bodies. 

This includes things like hunger, thirst, body temperature and heart rate. 

Problems with interoception are linked with a range of conditions, including autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and high blood pressure – as well as mental health issues.

Interoception is an 'understudied process', by which your nervous system continuously receives and interprets your body's physiological signals to keep vital functions running smoothly. 

It helps to explain how your brain knows when to breathe, when your blood pressure drops, or when you're fighting an infection.

Professor Smith also highlights 'gustation' – the sense when we taste something. 

'When we taste something we are actually experiencing a combination of three senses: touch, smell and taste – or gustation – which combine to produce the flavours we perceive in food and drinks,' he said.

'Gustation covers sensations produced by receptors on the tongue that enable us to detect salt, sweet, sour, bitter and umami (savoury). What about mint, mango, melon, strawberry, raspberry?

'We don’t have raspberry receptors on the tongue, nor is raspberry flavour some combination of sweet, sour and bitter. 

'There is no taste arithmetic for fruit flavours.

'We perceive them through the combined workings of the tongue and the nose. It is smell that contributes the lion’s share to what we call tasting.'

Read More

•  Scientists say the human body has a 'hidden' SIXTH sense - and it's vital for our health 

While this might all sound a bit overwhelming, Professor Smith hopes his idea will actually bring comfort to you.

He concluded: 'There are always plenty of things around you to show how intricate your senses are, if you only pause for a moment to take it all in. 

'So next time you walk outside or savour a meal, take a moment to appreciate how your senses are working together to help you feel all the sensations involved.'

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

29-12-2025 om 17:15 geschreven door peter  

A hilarious video has revealed the moment a man was kicked in the groin by a humanoid robot that was mimicking his own movements. 

The footage was initially shared to BiliBili by user zeonsunlight, but has since gone viral across social media. 

It shows a man wearing a motion capture suit – an outfit with sensors that record body movements and convert them into digital motion data.

Unfortunately for him, this data is fed straight to a Unitree G1 robot, which replicates his movements almost immediately. 

So, when the man goes for a high kick, the robot quickly follows suit – aimed directly at his groin. 

Following the kick, the man doubles over in pain, which the robot obediently also mimics.

The short clip has gained huge attention on Bluesky with one user joking: 'The kick in the n***s is one thing but then mocking his pain is just diabolical...'

Another added: 'Humanity kicking itself in the junk with technology is the perfect metaphor the moment.'

A hilarious video has revealed the moment a man was kicked in the groin by a humanoid robot that was mimicking his own movements

Following the kick, the main doubles over in pain, which the robot obediently also mimics

The clip was posted to Bluesky by journalist James Vincent, who captioned it: 'another robot highlight for 2025: man wearing humanoid mocap suit kicks himself in the balls.' 

Hundreds of delighted viewers flocked to his replies to discuss the footage. 

'The greatest AI metaphor of all time doesn't exi—,' one user joked. 

Another wrote: 'I've been laughing for ten minutes at this. My belly is cramping up.'

And one quipped: 'How many humans in history can be said to have kicked themselves in the balls? Truly revolutionary. 

'Mankind's dream for millennia has finally been fulfilled. Our destiny has been reached.'

The Unitree G1 robot weighs 35 kilograms (77 lbs), stands at 1.32 metres tall (4.33 ft) and boasts 23 degrees of freedom in its joints, which gives it more mobility than an average human.

Behind its blank face, the robot is hiding an advanced perception system which includes a 3D LiDAR sensor and a depth–sensing camera.

The Unitree G1 robot weighs 35 kilograms (77 lbs), stands at 1.32 metres tall (4.33 ft) and boasts 23 degrees of freedom in its joints, which gives it more mobility than an average human

Although this makes it one of the most advanced commercially available humanoid robots, it needs to be specifically programmed to carry out any given task.

Straight out of the box, like it is in this video, the Unitree G1 is capable of little more than walking around and waving. 

So it's somewhat unsurprising that the robot ended up in this hilarious situation. 

This also isn't the first time that Unitree's humanoid robots have gone viral for their bizarre behaviour.

Read More

• Chefs, your jobs are safe for now! Humanoid robot tries to cook a stir-fry - with disastrous results 

In a viral video posted last month which amassed over 6.3 million views, a humanoid robot attempted to make a stir–fry for its owner – with disastrous results. 

YouTuber Cody Detwiller, who goes by the name WhistlinDiesel, put his lunch in the unsteady hands of a Unitree G1 robot.

The $80,000 (£60,940) bot promptly lost control of the pan, threw the food on the floor, and slipped up in the mess.

After clattering about like a drunken ice skater, the robot eventually collapsed to the floor in a crumpled heap. 

On social media, tech fans flooded the comments with their reactions, with one calling it 'peak comedy'. 

WHO IS SOPHIA THE ROBOT?

In October 2017, Sophia was granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia

Sophia first emerged in 2016 as a super-intelligent human-like head with a realistic face that was able to blink, look from side to side and talk.

The humanoid robot, created by Hong Kong firm Hanson robotics, can chat, smile mischievously and even tell jokes.

The robot made history in October 2017 when she became legal a citizen of Saudi Arabia.

The stunt made Sophia the world's first robot to be granted legal citizenship.

While Sophia has some impressive capabilities, she does not yet have consciousness.

Hanson Robotics claims fully sentient machines could emerge within a few years.

Sophia herself has insisted 'the pros outweigh the cons' when it comes to artificial intelligence.

'Elders will have more company, autistic children will have endlessly patient teachers,' Sophia said.

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

29-12-2025 om 17:00 geschreven door peter  

The Men in Black have long intrigued the public with their elusive presence and ties to UFO phenomena. Often described as shadowy figures in black suits, they are believed to intervene following sightings or encounters with extraterrestrial craft. Speculation abounds about their true identities—government agents, aliens themselves, or perhaps something more sinister. As reports of MIB encounters continue to surface, questions arise: Are they still monitoring our skies, or has their role evolved in the face of shifting narratives?

Introduction

The world of extraterrestrial encounters and intergalactic diplomacy is often depicted in stories, but few engage the imagination quite like Men in Black. This iconic franchise blends comedy, action, and science fiction, showcasing a secret organization tasked with monitoring and regulating extraterrestrial activity on Earth. Since its inception, Men in Black has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring films, animated series, and comic books. The black-suited agents, equipped with advanced technology, remain vigilant defenders of humanity, ensuring that alien encounters happen discreetly. Their unique blend of humor and adventure resonates with audiences, fostering curiosity about what lies beyond our planet. Through engaging storytelling, Men in Black invites fans to ponder the possibilities of life beyond Earth, making them a staple in popular culture.

Government Secrecy and UFOS

Although government secrecy often fuels speculation, the topic of UFOs has fascinated both enthusiasts and skeptics for decades. Many believe that the government’s reluctance to disclose information only heightens curiosity. Former military personnel and whistleblowers have claimed that they witnessed unexplainable phenomena, yet their accounts often meet silence or skepticism from officials. This secrecy raises questions about what authorities might know but choose not to reveal. Public interest peaked after incidents like the Roswell crash, further complicating the narrative around UFOs and government involvement. Now, with recent declassifications and a push for transparency, some wonder if the truth about these unidentified aerial phenomena will finally surface, or if the shadows of secrecy will continue to obscure reality.

Notable Cases or Sightings

Numerous notable cases and sightings have captured public attention and fueled the UFO debate. One prominent instance occurred in 1967, when a Canadian ufologist named Paul Hellyer reported encounters with Men in Black, coinciding with numerous UFO sightings. Another significant case emerged in 1980, when two teenagers in the small town of Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, claimed to have seen a flying saucer and were later confronted by mysterious figures dressed in black suits. In 2008, a Houston resident reported two Men in Black visiting him after he filmed an unusual light in the sky. These incidents illustrate a consistent pattern where witnesses of UFO phenomena encounter these enigmatic figures, raising questions about their true intentions and role in the ongoing UFO discourse.

Common Theories or Explanations

While many theories circulate about the Men in Black, most fall into a few broad categories that attempt to explain their existence and purpose. One prevalent theory suggests they’re government agents tasked with silencing UFO witnesses to maintain secrecy. Another theory posits that they’re extraterrestrial beings themselves, disguised as humans to monitor and investigate human activity. Some enthusiasts claim the Men in Black serve as a form of psychological warfare, intimidating individuals to deter them from discussing their alien encounters. Additionally, paranormal researchers argue they’re connected to otherworldly phenomena, acting as intermediaries between humans and aliens. Despite these diverse explanations, the true nature and intent of the Men in Black remain elusive, keeping conspiracy theories alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Do the Men in Black Actually Look Like?

The Men in Black typically appear in formal black suits, wearing dark sunglasses, and exhibiting serious expressions. Their demeanor often seems robotic, and they project an unsettling aura that suggests they’re not entirely human.

• Are There Any Female Men in Black?

Some reports suggest there are female agents among the Men in Black. They’re described as equally mysterious, often wearing dark suits and sunglasses, effectively maintaining the secretive aura associated with their male counterparts.

• How Do People Report MIB Encounters?

People report MIB encounters through various channels, including online forums, paranormal conventions, and local news outlets. They share detailed descriptions, unsettling experiences, and mysterious encounters, creating a collective narrative around these enigmatic figures of folklore.

• What Is the Origin of the Men in Black Legend?

The legend of the Men in Black likely originated in the 1950s, fueled by UFO sightings and reports. People claimed mysterious figures appeared after such events, adding an air of intrigue and secrecy to their experiences.

• Are There Any Movies Inspired by MIB Theories?

Numerous films draw inspiration from Men in Black theories, blending sci-fi and comedy. Notable examples include the iconic “Men in Black” series, which popularized the concept, and other movies referencing government conspiracies and extraterrestrial encounters.

{ 

28-12-2025 om 22:39 geschreven door peter  

De Mannen in Zwart – Wie of Wat Zijn Ze?

Overzicht
De “Mannen in Zwart” (MiZ) of (MIB) zijn geëvolueerd van een cultklassieke filmreeks naar een terugkerend element binnen de moderne UFO-mythevorming. Terwijl de populaire cultuur hen vaak afbeeldt als gestileerde, pakdragers die op humoristische wijze getuigen stilhouden, beschrijven veel eerstehands verslaggevers een veel verontrustender aanwezigheid. Volgens een artikel uit 2020 op UFO Insight spreken mensen die een onverklaarbaar vliegend object (UFO) hebben gezien vaak later over bezoeken van onbekende mannen die dreigen, terugbetaling beloven of gewoon een aura van gezag uitstralen. Het artikel, gepubliceerd op 4 april 2020, verzamelt tientallen van dergelijke getuigenissen en onderzoekt de verschillende hypothesen die proberen te verklaren wie – of wat – deze figuren mogelijk zijn.

Verschillende Theorieën
Onderzoekers hebben drie voornaamste verklaringen voorgesteld voor het fenomeen van de Mannen in Zwart.

1. Overheidsorganisatie
   De meest gangbare theorie stelt dat de Mannen in Zwart onderdeel uitmaken van een topgeheim overheidsysteem dat belast is met het onderdrukken van UFO-bewijzen. Deze opvatting sluit aan bij langdurige beweringen over geheime “UFO-taskforces” binnen inlichtingendiensten die in de loop der jaren de informatie onder controle proberen te houden.

2. Extraterrestrische Wezens
   Een andere hypothese suggereert dat deze agenten buitenaardse wezens zijn, in hun natuurlijke vorm of vermomd in menselijke gedaante. Deze theorie is gebaseerd op het idee dat geavanceerde buitenaardse culturen mogelijk direct ingrijpen om hun activiteiten op aarde te verbergen, vooral in het licht van de waargenomen misbruik van technologie of ontmoetingen.

3. Ondergrondse Beschaving
   Een meer speculatieve uitleg linkt de Mannen in Zwart aan een ondergrondse beschaving – misschien een overblijfsel van de mensheid dat eeuwen geleden onder de grond is gedwongen. Volgens deze theorie zouden ze nu toezicht houden op gebeurtenissen aan het aardoppervlak. Aanhangers verwijzen naar oude mythes en obscure teksten die verwijzen naar schimmige toezichthouders, hoewel deze interpretatie marginaal blijft binnen het veld van reguliere UFO-studies.

Historische Verslagen
Getuigenissen over ontmoetingen met de Mannen in Zwart dateren van enkele decennia terug, met Some onderzoekers die de verhalen traceren naar de jaren 1950.

Een van de oudste gedocumenteerde gevallen betreft Paul Miller, een boer die beweerde dat na het zien van een lichtgevend object, drie mannen naar zijn huis kwamen. Ze “wisten alles over mij,” zo stelde hij, en waarschuwden hem om nooit over het voorval te spreken. In een later, agressiever voorval, meldde Robert Richardson dat hij, nadat hij een crash van een vaartuig in de Nevada-woestijn had ontdekt, een groep mannen in donkere pakken arriveerden, met wapens zwaaiend, en eisten dat de wrakstukken binnen enkele uren werden verwijderd. Beide gevallen bevatten enkele gemeenschappelijke elementen: plotselinge verschijning, gedetailleerde persoonlijke kennis en expliciete dreigementen om te zwijgen.

Fotografisch bewijs, zoals de foto’s genomen in de jaren 1970 door Jack en Mary Robinson van twee mannen in donkere kleding die naast een landelijke omheining staan, wordt zelden overtuigend ontkracht en blijft een zeldzame visuele claim binnen de bewijslast rond de MiZ.

Recente en Opmerkelijke Incidenten
Het verschijnsel blijft tot in de 21e eeuw voortduren. Zo beschreef Danny Gordon, een voormalig luchtverkeersleider, in 2018 een waarneming van een “zeer groot, koepelvormig vaartuig” dat boven een Midden-Westerse vliegveld zweefde. Enkele dagen later ontving hij bezoek van twee mannen met officiële identificatie, die hem opdroegen alle radargegevens over de waarneming te verwijderen. Gordon’s verslag onderstreept een patroon dat door UFO-onderzoekers wordt opgemerkt: een continue stroom aan rapporten vol intimidatietactieken.

Hoewel sommige sceptici deze verhalen toeschrijven aan hoaxes of psychologische stress, blijft de consistentie in details – zoals de kledij van de mannen, hun kennis van persoonlijke achtergronden en de eis om geheim te blijven – de interesse van onderzoekers vasthouden.

Vervolg Debat en Context
De Mannen in Zwart blijven een controversieel en onopgelost onderdeel van de UFO-discussie. Voorstanders die de overheid als oorzaak aanwijzen, wijzen op gedocumenteerde projecten als Project Blue Book en de meer recente UAP Task Force, en suggereren dat de verhalen een culturele spiegel kunnen zijn van echte inlichtingenoperaties die bedoeld zijn om het publiek te beïnvloeden.

Aan de andere kant beweren voorstanders van een buitenaardse of ondergrondse afkomst dat de anonimiteit en soms bovennatuurlijke overtones van de verhalen de capaciteiten van bekende instanties overschrijden.

Volgens de Amerikaanse UFO-onderzoeker Dr. Emily Hargrove, geciteerd in het UFO Insight-artikel, moet men voorzichtig zijn: “Zonder verifieerbare documentatie blijven de Mannen in Zwart een mengelmoes van folklore en mogelijk geheime activiteiten, en het is belangrijk dat we dat onderscheid duidelijk maken.”

Met de recente declassificaties van de Amerikaanse overheid over onverklaarde luchtvaartuigen (UAP), groeit de publieke interesse om meer te weten te komen over soortgelijke fenomenen, inclusief de mysterieuze Mannen in Zwart. Of toekomstige onthullingen de ware aard van deze ontmoetingen zullen blootleggen of slechts nieuwe lagen toevoegen aan een complexe mythe, blijft nog onduidelijk.

Voorlopig blijven de Mannen in Zwart een schimmig en intrigerend element dat tussen overheidsgeheim, buitenaardse speculatie en oude mythologie zweeft, en onderzoekers uitdagen om feit van fictie te onderscheiden terwijl ze de ervaringen van degenen die hen beweren te hebben ontmoet, respecteren.

{ PETER2011 }

28-12-2025 om 22:32 geschreven door peter  

2026 will be the year NASA astronauts fly around the moon again — if all goes to plan

28-12-2025 om 22:09 geschreven door peter  

In 2025, many new thresholds in this complex area of study were crossed, with empirical inquiry into our questions about the nature of consciousness occurring within fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and medicine. Many advancements in this area over the last year have also challenged long-held assumptions about where and how consciousness originates, how widespread it may be, and how profoundly altered states can reshape human perception.

Here’s a look at just a few of the major stories involving consciousness, the mind, awareness, and the science behind it all that The Debrief has covered in 2025.

Did ‘Universal Consciousness’ Exist Before the Big Bang?

Among the year’s most provocative work about consciousness, one controversial peer-reviewed paper published in AIP Advances proposed that “universal consciousness” may have existed before the Big Bang, functioning not as a byproduct of matter but as a foundational feature of reality itself.

Such claims are nothing new and remain hotly debated by researchers, although they reflect a growing willingness among scientists to explore questions about consciousness, whether it is purely emergent or could play a deeper role in shaping the universe. The result has been a reignition of discussions long relegated to philosophy, now increasingly framed through modern cosmology and theoretical physics.

Consciousness May Be Far More Widespread Than Previously Believed

Closer to Earth, neuroscientists and cognitive researchers have increasingly argued that consciousness may be far older and more widespread than traditionally believed. Studies examining simple organisms, brain networks, and evolutionary pathways this year, undertaken by researchers at Ruhr University Bochum, suggested that rudimentary forms of awareness could predate complex nervous systems throughout the animal kingdom.

Rather than being the apex of the human evolutionary process, the researchers argue in a pair of papers that appeared in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, consciousness “rather represents a more basic cognitive process, possibly shared with other animal phyla.” This reframing has major implications not only for how scientists define consciousness but also for how humans understand their relationship to other life forms.

Psychedelic Therapy and Related Discoveries 

Perhaps the most tangible advances came from renewed interest in altered states of consciousness, particularly through psychedelic research. Multiple studies in 2025 demonstrated that psychedelic compounds can rapidly reorganize brain networks, temporarily dissolving rigid patterns of thought associated with depression, trauma, and addiction.

At the same time, scientists explored non-drug pathways to similar states, such as research into ancient breathwork techniques combined with modern neuroscience that suggests altered states resembling psychedelic experiences could be induced through controlled breathing alone.

Additionally, long-term studies also continued to examine the social and spiritual dimensions of psychedelic experiences. Decades of research now suggest that such states often produce a heightened sense of connection—to other people, to nature, and to perceived transcendent realities. In 2025, experiments involving participants from diverse religious backgrounds highlighted how profoundly personal belief systems shape the interpretation of these experiences, even when the underlying neurochemical mechanisms are shared.

Pitting Consciousness Theories Against Each Other

Meanwhile, researchers made rare progress on a long-standing scientific impasse: competing theories of consciousness. Chris Plain, reporting for The Debrief in May on a 2025 Allen Institute study, described Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT), a pair of differing approaches to consciousness.

(Image Credit: Ashley Batz/Unsplash)

The resulting research revealed functional connections between neurons within the visual areas of the brain and the brain’s frontal areas, which the researchers behind the study say helps them “understand how our perceptions tie to our thoughts” while also reducing the typical emphasis on “the importance of the prefrontal cortex in consciousness, suggesting that while it’s important for reasoning and planning, consciousness itself may be linked with sensory processing and perception.”

University of Virginia Researchers Study Support Gaps for NDE Experiencers

Finally, 2025 saw increased attention to near-death experiences (NDEs) as a legitimate area of study. Researchers at the University of Virginia identified significant gaps in psychological and medical support for people who report NDEs, many of whom struggle to integrate these experiences into their lives. While interpretations of NDEs vary widely, the research emphasized a growing consensus: regardless of cause, such experiences can be deeply transformative—and ignoring their impact may carry real mental health consequences.

Taken together, these stories reveal a year in which consciousness research moved decisively out of the shadows. Whether probing the origins of awareness in the early universe, mapping its neural signatures, or exploring its therapeutic potential, scientists in 2025 treated consciousness not as an unspeakable mystery—but as a frontier worth confronting directly.

• Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

28-12-2025 om 21:55 geschreven door peter  

Stunning photos of Mars that will blow your mind - PART I

©Reuters

Stunning photos of Mars that will blow your mind
Mars has always fascinated scientists, and it is believed to be the planet with the closest conditions to Earth for life in our solar system. Various projects with rovers have been sent looking for traces of bioactivity, among other experiments and data collection efforts.

In this gallery, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of our neighboring planet in breathtaking images. Click through to get started.

©Reuters

Mount Sharp, 2012
This picture displays the bottom of Mount Sharp, also known as Aeolis Mons, on Mars. The mountain stands at a height of 5.5 km (3.4 miles) above the surrounding valley.

©Reuters

Ophir Chasma, 2015
This image captures a canyon on Mars, specifically in the northern part of the planet's extensive canyon system.

©Reuters

Nili Patera, 2014
Nili Patera, situated atop a lava bed on the grounds of an ancient volcano, stands as one of Mars' most active dune fields.

©Reuters

Gullies, 2017
These flow features, resembling moraines on Earth, are located in the mid-latitudes of Mars. This indicates that the deposits may contain ice or have had ice in the past.

©Reuters

Yellowknife Bay, 2013
These spherical shapes in Yellowknife Bay are believed to be concretions, suggesting that water seeped through sediment pores to create them.

©Reuters

Crater, 2014
An orbiter captured this image of an impact crater on Mars.

©Reuters

Link, 2012
This rock outcrop, known as Link, displays rounded gravel fragments, or clasts, ranging in size up to a few centimeters.

©Reuters

Sandy hill, 2014
These are the sand dunes of Mars' northernmost region, visible as they appear after being covered by seasonal carbon dioxide (dry) ice during winter.

©Reuters

Acidalia Plain, 2015
This plain is depicted as the fictional touchdown location for a crewed mission called Ares 3 in the popular novel and film 'The Martian.'

©Reuters

Hellas Planitia, 2011
The width of the channels in the Hellas Planitia basin varies from 1 to 10 meters (3.3 feet to 33 feet).

©Reuters

Noctis Labyrinthus, 2013
Located on the Tharsis rise in the upper part of Valles Marineris, this area is recognized for its intricate network of deep valleys with steep walls.

©Reuters

Gale crater, 2013
This crater, thought to be around 3.5 to 3.8 billion years old, is likely a dry lake located near the northwestern region of the Aeolis quadrangle.

©Reuters

Gale crater, 2013
The rover designed to explore Gale crater, which is about the size of a car, can be seen as a blue dot in the lower right corner of the image.

©Reuters

Gale crater, 2012
This photo shows a section of the wall of Gale crater, where a system of valleys, thought to be created by water, enters the crater from the surrounding area.

©Reuters

Shaler, 2013
This rock formation's name is Shaler.

©Reuters

Trenches, 2008
The Robotic Arm of the Phoenix lander dug these two trenches.

©Reuters

Victoria Crater, 2006
This impact crater found in the Meridiani Planum plain has a width of approximately 730 meters (2,395 feet)and is named after a ship from Ferdinand Magellan's fleet, the first to sail around the world.

©Reuters

Meteorite, 2005
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity took this photo of an iron meteorite on Mars.

©Reuters

Columbia Hills, 2004
This photograph shows the Columbia Hills, a collection of small hills situated in Gusev crater.

©Reuters

Water, 2015
This picture displays narrow streaks approximately 100 meters (328 feet) long that are believed to be created by flowing water.

©Reuters

Garni crater, 2015
These dark, narrow streaks emerging out of the walls of Garni crater are called recurring slope lineae.

©Reuters

Round depression, 2015
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this circular depression on the surface of Mars in February 2015.

©Reuters

Color Photos, 2008
This is one of the initial color photographs of the surface of Mars captured after the Phoenix Mars lander spacecraft safely touched down on May 25, 2008. It marked the historic first landing near Mars's northern pole.

©Reuters

Mars
This is the percussion drill located at the tip of the Curiosity Robotic Arm, as it contacts the rock surface on January 27, 2013.

©Reuters

Hellas Planitia, 2008
This image displays a view from a different angle of a mountain located in eastern Hellas Planitia. The mountain harbors sizable glaciers beneath rocks.

©Reuters

Hellas Planitia, 2008
This is an alternative view of the mountain in the eastern Hellas Planitia, which revealed the presence of sizable glaciers concealed beneath fragmented rocks.

©Reuters

Mound, 2017
This mound appears to have blocked the path of dunes as they move south (to the right of this image).

 { starsinsider.com }

28-12-2025 om 18:14 geschreven door peter  

Stunning photos of Mars that will blow your mind - PART II

©Reuters

Cliff, 2017
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured an intriguing rugged cliff edge in this image.

©Reuters

Southern hemisphere, 2017
Small pits are visible in the bright residual layer of carbon dioxide ice near a larger, circular feature that extends through the ice and dust. This may be an impact crater or a pit created by collapse.

©Reuters

Mars, 2016
The NASA Hubble Space Telescope captured this remarkable image of the Red Planet.

©Reuters

Nili Fossae, 2016
Nili Fossae, situated on the northwest edge of Isidis Planitia crater, is a vibrant area on Mars.

©Reuters

Impressive view, 2015
A plane is visible flying by, while the crescent moon and planets Venus and Mars can be seen close by.

©Reuters

Outcrop, 2004
The Opportunity rover captured an intriguing rock formation in this photograph.

©Reuters

Frost, 2015
This photo taken by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter displays frost covering Mars's surface.

©Reuters

Rock geology, 2014
This evenly-layered rock formation displays a pattern typical of a lake-floor sedimentary deposit, suggesting a lake once filled this crater.

©Reuters

Cumberland, 2014
The Curiosity rover bored into a rock nicknamed Cumberland.

©Reuters

Mast Camera, 2012
The Martian landscape serves as the backdrop for the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer in this image.

©Reuters

Cape Verde, 2006
Cape Verde, a landscape with rocky cliffs, stands on the edge of Victoria crater. These cliffs were named after the country, as a tribute to Ferdinand Magellan who had explored Cape Verde during his round-the-world journey.

©Reuters

Bathurst Inlet, 2012
This marks the highest point of Bathurst Inlet, a rock situated on the surface of Aeolis Palus within the Gale crater.

©Reuters

Newton crater, 2011
These water flows are observed during the spring and summer on a slope within the Newton crater.

©Reuters

Sheepbed, 2013
This is a rock formation found at the Sheepbed, a deposit of mudstone located in the Yellowknife Bay region within Gale crater.

©Reuters

Marquette Island, 2010
Marquette Island is a rock about the size of a basketball whose texture and composition suggest it came from deep inside the Martian crust.

©Reuters

Becquerel crater, 2008
The pattern in this sedimentary bedrock within Becquerel crater suggests rhythmic bedding.

©Reuters

Phoenix, 2008
The descent of NASA's Phoenix lander to the Martian surface with the attached parachute is visible.

©Getty Images

Valles Marineris, 2006
Valles Marineris serves as Mars's counterpart to the Grand Canyon.

©Getty Images

Reull Vallis, 2004
The Reull Vallis was likely formed by water. The valley got its name from the Gaelic word for planet.

©Getty Images

Echus Chasma, 2008
This aerial photograph displays the Echus Chasma, which is among the largest water source regions on Mars.

©Getty Images

Sleepy Hollow, 2004
This circular topographic view, known as Sleepy Hollow, was discovered in the Gusev Crater on Mars.

©Getty Images

Mars Pathfinder, 1997
This photo depicts NASA's Mars Pathfinder probe surveying the planet's landscape in 1997.

©Getty Images

Echus Chasma, 2008
Waterfalls may have cascaded down these towering cliffs in the past, which stand at a staggering 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The remarkably even valley floor indicates that it was subsequently submerged by basaltic lava.

©Getty Images

Phoenix, 2008
This image depicts the Phoenix lander arriving on the Red Planet, as envisioned by an artist.

©Getty Images

Mars, 1997
This high-definition image captures the detailed features of Mars, while it was positioned approximately 100 million km (60 million miles) away from Earth.

See also:

• Space tourism and the otherworldly future of travel

 { starsinsider.com }

28-12-2025 om 18:13 geschreven door peter  

With such discoveries in mind, here’s a look at some of our favorite archaeological discoveries from 2025, and some of the greatest new insights we’ve obtained about the ancient world throughout the year.

A 4,000-Year-Old Labyrinth Rewrites an Ancient Myth

The unearthing of a massive, 4,000-year-old labyrinthine structure in Crete, hailed by researchers as among the most important finds of the century, captured headlines in 2025 as new details about the curious site, initially discovered in 2024, continue to emerge.

The accidental discovery, uncovered during excavations in advance of the construction of a new airport on the island, suggests that complex designs existed in the ancient world long before classical Greek accounts popularized the legend of the Minotaur and its famous labyrinth, potentially even offering support for there being at least some factual basis for the legendary structure’s existence.

A 5,000-Year-Old Spanish Tomb Reveals a Connected Ancient World

This year, the discovery of a 5,000-year-old tomb in Spain revealed unexpected evidence of long-distance cultural and material exchange in ancient Europe. Artifacts found at the site suggest that ancient communities were far more interconnected than previously assumed, sharing ideas, technologies, and symbolic practices across vast regions.

“The presence of seashells in an inland territory reflects the importance of the sea as an element of prestige and the existence of long-distance exchange networks,” explained Professor Juan Jesús Cantillo of the University of Cadiz, who was involved with the research.

Rather than isolated settlements, the tomb supports a growing view of prehistoric Europe as part of a dynamic, networked world—one in which trade routes and shared traditions linked distant populations centuries before written history.

Pompeii Continues to Yield Surprises

Excavations at Pompeii once again reshaped historians’ understanding of Roman life. This year, the intriguing placement stairway led archaeologists to evidence of a “lost” portion of the ancient city, thanks to modern 3D digital reconstructions that reveal how much of the ancient settlement was lost during the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and how it might have looked nearly 2000 years ago.

3D reconstruction of Pompeii’s ‘House of Thiasus’

(Image Courtesy of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii)

At the same time, new research into Roman concrete is helping to uncover how the material can seemingly self-heal over thousands of years. By decoding the chemical processes that underpin its durability, MIT scientists have gained insights not only into Roman engineering mastery but also into how ancient knowledge might inform modern sustainable construction.

Sunken Megaliths Off France Push Back Europe’s Timeline

Off the coast of France, archaeologists recently discovered a series of 7,000-year-old submerged megaliths, dramatically extending the known timeline of monumental stone construction in Europe. The finds suggest that large-scale architectural projects were underway centuries earlier than previously believed—and that rising sea levels may have hidden entire chapters of human history.

“Also of intrigue is the fact that local legends bear some similarities to the recent discovery,” Ryan Whalen reported for The Debrief on December 14. “Specifically, a legend from around Brittany holds that, west of the Bay of Douarnenez, a drowned city known as Ys is believed to lie at the bottom of the ocean.”

Based on recent discoveries, archaeologists who published their work in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology on December 9, 2025, believe the sunken structure could be related to traditional beliefs long associated with the region.

New Clues Near Stonehenge Challenge Old Assumptions

And finally, ongoing discoveries near the famous Stonehenge monument continue to offer new insights into Neolithic life in Britain. Among 2025’s major discoveries were a massive ring of ancient pits suggesting the presence of an ancient henge, and, more broadly, coordinated construction efforts on a scale not previously recognized, pointing to sophisticated social organization and long-term planning at the famous site.

A. Sood/Unsplash)

Meanwhile, research into the enigmatic Newall boulder overturned the idea that glaciers transported the stone to the site, instead revealing a far more deliberate human role in its placement. Together, the findings reinforce the view that Stonehenge was part of a much larger, carefully designed ceremonial landscape.

• Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

27-12-2025 om 21:29 geschreven door peter  

We didn't find answers in 2025, but UFO researchers say the search continues

A photo taken at the recent US Congressional UAP hearing on September 9. 

(Image credit: Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images staff)

After years of making headlines, air vehicles of nameless origin, unknown intent, and seemingly odd capabilities are still being reported within America's national airspace, allegedly flying over sensitive facilities and interfering with commercial air traffic.

All of this aerial weirdness involves unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP for short. Whatever they are, UAP continue to be seen, reported and even documented through various sensor technologies. However, despite years of whistleblowers testifying before Congress, there seems to have been a bottleneck in getting to the bottom of the UAP issue in 2025. Why so?

Key specialists appraising the issue UAP have yet to untangle the mystery, but do appear to agree on what needs to be done now to further resolve what UAP are and from where they might originate.

Plurality of minds

The UAP phenomenon benefits from having a plurality of minds engaged in disciplined debate, suggests Michael Cifone, founding executive director and President of the Society for UAP Studies, based in Los Angeles, California.

Today, there's a division emerging between classical Unidentified Flying Object (UFO), aka "flying saucer," incidents and studying UAP from the point of view of observational and experimental science. But engaging scientific methods and instruments turns out to be neither trivial nor cheap, Cifone said.

"Perhaps the holdup is reluctance to dump time, energy and money into what looks to some like a wild goose chase," said Cifone.

Cold cases

"Like any other scientific venture, both funding and institutional support is required," Cifone said. "Given the historical stigma associated with the topic that has been hard to achieve. But now with the emphasis no longer on chasing forensic cold cases, and relying on reports of UAP, serious scientists and student researchers are getting involved."

The upshot is to deploy scientific methodology to establish the observational framework with the proper instrumentation, Cifone added, "in order to generate the data on UAP from which more secure conclusions can be derived."

Cifone said that progress, like in any other science or research area, will be slow but hopefully steady, albeit incremental.

"What will likely happen is that there will be downstream benefits that aren't foreseeable exactly now. Maybe new sciences will break away. So it will be a win for the growth of knowledge and for science in particular," Cifone senses.

For Cifone, his view is to keep the eye on the ball and work out the observational framework design and required instruments and observational modalities before we can have the reliable datasets we need. "But science doesn't always go as planned. In any case, there's a lot of work to be done."

Cifone points to an increasing number of institutions that are studying UAPs. Indeed, work underway on UAP has blossomed into a world-wide field of research, he said.

All sky, all the time

To Cifone's point, there's the University of Würzburg in northern Bavaria, one of the oldest universities in Germany. An Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies (IFEX) has been established.

One effort the university is developing is an "AllSkyCAM" able to capture UAP. An automated reporting system is currently under construction with the university cooperating with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt, the national civil aviation authority of Germany, to research unusual phenomena in the country's airspace.

Then there's the Galileo Project led by astrophysicist Avi Loeb of Harvard University. They have designed and built an array of sensors to scan the sky for aerial phenomena and assess atmospheric anomalies that may not be of terrestrial origin.

This type of research can produce data on UAP, Cifone said, "then we need to experiment with the data and produce theories, or what you call explanations, and perhaps even understanding! We're only at the observational framework design and testing phase. Then we need to let the systems run, probably for many years."

Test a hypothesis

There's need to be able to scientifically test a hypothesis that some UAP are potentially extraterrestrial craft, said Robert Powell, executive board member of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU).

"I consider extreme acceleration to be the best characteristic that has the potential to eliminate a terrestrial explanation for a UAP," said Powell. But measurement of high accelerations of UAP, he said, requires high-precision scientific gear and data.

"The cost of putting out a network of calibrated and characterized equipment, maintaining it, obtaining placement rights on land, and analyzing the data will cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars," said Powell.

Military systems

One estimate by an engineer in SCU forecasts that given 300 "actual" UAP sightings per year — and assuming random distribution of sightings — that with 930 automated camera systems distributed across the U.S., one would have a 95% chance of detecting a UAP of 50 foot or larger size within a year.

"To date, the financial resources to achieve this are not available," said Powell. "The military has the capability with radar, satellite, and optical systems, but the scientific community does not have access to these systems." He thinks the work ahead could be done now via military systems, but only if there were no national security concerns.

"I think it will take many years to do it through privately-financed civilian systems but that doesn't mean we shouldn't continue working at it," Powell concluded.

Ignore, rationalize away

Ryan Graves is chair of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Integration Committee. He is also director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, a military pilot group devoted to aerospace safety and national security, but focused on UAPs.

"Highly credible people and professional observers are seeing objects that appear to exhibit capabilities beyond the state of the art," Graves told Space.com. "In the data received, there seems to be this core anomalous aspect that we can't just ignore or rationalize away."

Graves speaks with UAP eye-witness authority as a former Lt. U.S. Navy and F/A-18F pilot. He was the first active-duty pilot to publicly point to his own encounters and spotlights his military colleagues regarding their UAP sightings.

In July 2023, Graves testified about UAPs before the House Oversight Committee's National Security Subcommittee in Congress, a hearing centered on UAP and the implications for national security, public safety, and how best to attain government transparency on the issue.

Pay attention

"We need to pay attention to this and recognize the national security implications," Graves said. Objects are operating in sovereign air space, he said, potentially collecting intelligence and trying to break into or set the stage to counter our defenses and set the country up for strategic surprise.

In blunt talk, Graves said UAP are engaged in actions "that would be recognized as acts of war or at the minimum preparation for an attack."

For its part, the AIAA UAP Integration & Outreach Committee is a strictly agnostic, science-first committee inside the AIAA.

"Our remit is to bring aerospace rigor to an area with real safety-of-flight implications," Graves said. The committee has been convening experts across AIAA's technical committees, publishing peer-reviewed and conference papers, and producing policy guidance that standardizes how aviation professionals document and share safety-relevant observations, Graves added.

Retention of data

While AIAA provides technical expertise rather than lobbying, Graves said the work on UAP has helped clarify best-practice reporting standards as well as set standards for retention of data on what's being reported.

One early payoff is that AIAA's UAP effort parallels what Congress has been considering in the standalone bill "Safe Airspace for Americans Act," introduced in January 2024 and reintroduced in September of this year. "Our focus remains the same," said Graves, "and that is credible data, clear procedures, and aviation safety."

That bipartisan Act is championed by U.S. representatives Robert Garcia of California and Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, legislation crafted to support civilian UAP reporting.

"Transparency surrounding UAP is crucial for national security, public safety, and making sure people trust that our government is taking these reports seriously," Congressman Garcia said in a statement. "This bill creates a clear, protected pathway for pilots and other aviation professionals to report UAP incidents without having to fear stigma or worry about retaliation. This is a vital step forward to make sure our skies are safe and our government is responsive."

Closure on the topic?

Graves also points to the current leadership of the Department of Defense All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, or AARO. It too is established to minimize technical and intelligence surprise by "synchronizing identification, attribution, and mitigation of UAP in the vicinity of national security areas," the AARO states.

"I'm optimistic. There is significant organizational change across the government that I think will bare fruit. There process is maturing to the point where they can start delivering on their expectations," said Graves.

Overall, Graves is heartened by current UAP interest and on-going activities.

"I don't know if there's been a better time to hope for closure on this topic. I don't think we've ever been in quite the situation we're in today," Graves said.

{ https://www.space.com/space-exploration }

27-12-2025 om 20:24 geschreven door peter  

Top Astronomical Events to Watch For in 2026

{ https://www.universetoday.com/ }

26-12-2025 om 23:14 geschreven door peter