NASA Unveils Prototype Telescope for LISA Mission, Gravitational Wave Detection from Space

NASA has provided a first glimpse of the full-scale prototype for six telescopes that are set to detect gravitational waves from space. These waves, caused by cosmic events such as black hole collisions, are set to be observed by the LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission. This mission is a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) and aims to advance our understanding of the universe by using lasers to measure tiny distances between spacecraft.

The LISA Mission and Telescope Design

The LISA mission will feature three spacecraft arranged in a triangular formation, with each side of the array measuring around 1.6 million miles (2.5 million kilometres). These spacecraft will communicate using infrared laser beams, transmitted and received by twin telescopes on each of the craft. NASA is responsible for providing all six of the telescopes for this mission. According to Ryan DeRosa, a researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the prototype telescope, known as the Engineering Development Unit Telescope, is crucial for guiding the construction of the final flight hardware.

Prototype Telescope Inspection and Materials

The prototype arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in May and has since undergone inspection. Manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, the telescope is composed of a specialised material called Zerodur, which is a glass-ceramic known for its stability across different temperatures. Its primary mirror is coated with gold, which enhances its ability to reflect infrared lasers and reduces heat loss in the cold environment of space.

Launch Timeline and Future Prospects

The LISA mission is expected to launch in the mid-2030s, marking a significant milestone in space-based gravitational wave detection. This mission will help unlock deeper insights into the forces shaping our universe.

 

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Trudeau Meets Legislators Unhappy With His Leadership, They Want Him To Go

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday met legislators from his ruling Liberals, some of whom blame him for the party's poor showing in the polls and want him to quit after nine years in power.

While Trudeau is in no immediate danger, since he cannot be pushed out, the public display of unhappiness is among the most serious political challenges he has faced. Major parties usually meet on Wednesdays, but the circumstances this time are unusual.

Trudeau insists he will lead the Liberals into the next election, which must be held by the end of October 2025, even though surveys of public opinion suggest that with him at the helm, the party will lose badly to the official opposition Conservatives.

A Nanos Research poll released on Oct. 15 put the Conservatives on 39% public support, with the Liberals well behind on 23% and the rival left-leaning New Democrats on 21%. Such a result on election day would give the Conservatives a comfortable majority.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp said 24 of the party's 153 legislators had signed a letter calling on Trudeau to go.

Ken McDonald, a Liberal parliamentarian from Atlantic Canada who is not standing in the next election, said ahead of the meeting that some of those who signed the letter "are worried because of the polling that is going constantly down."

Wayne Long, another legislator from the same region, said if the party had a new leader it could beat the Conservatives, who blame Trudeau for rising prices and a housing crisis.

There is no mechanism to oust Trudeau. Unlike Australia, where leaders are elected by legislators, Canadian party chiefs are chosen by members at a special convention.

Unhappiness with Trudeau bubbled up after the party lost two of its safest parliamentary seats in special elections in June and September.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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6,000-Year-Old Wheel Origin Discovered in Carpathian Mountains; Study Suggests Copper Miners Created World's 1st Wheel

A recent study proposes that the wheel, one of the most transformative inventions in human history, could have first been developed by copper miners in the Carpathian Mountains around 6,000 years ago. This theory, based on a detailed modelling study, suggests that the unique environment of these mining regions may have played a crucial role in shaping early wheel designs. Richard Bulliet, Professor Emeritus at Columbia University, and engineers Kai James and Lee Alacoque, explored how the challenges faced by miners might have driven key advancements in wheel technology.

Tracing the Wheel's Early Beginnings

While evidence of wheeled vehicles has been found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa from around 5000 to 3000 B.C., pinpointing the wheel's exact origins remains a mystery. The research focused on the Carpathian region between 4000 and 3500 B.C., when copper miners faced the difficult task of transporting heavy loads through narrow mine shafts. The team suggests that these practical challenges likely influenced the development of basic transport mechanisms, eventually leading to the wheel's creation.

The Innovations Behind Early Wheels

The study highlights 3 major and important innovations that likely emerged as people experimented with moving heavy objects. Primarily they think that miners would have used rollers to shift large loads. The first evidence was the creation of grooved rollers, which allowed materials to move more smoothly without slipping off. The next step was the introduction of a wheelset, where wheels were attached to a fixed axle, allowing carts to roll over rough terrain. Finally, the design evolved with wheels that moved independently of the axle, offering better control and manoeuvrability.

What's Next?

This study sheds light on how the wheel may have originated in Eastern Europe but the researchers have acknowledged the possibility that other ancient cultures could have discovered similar solutions independently.

 

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BYD Tang L Spotted in China Ahead of Official Launch

BYD is gearing up to launch its new electric vehicle, the BYD Tang L, in China soon. Now, just before the official launch, the car has finally made its first public appearance, hinting an imminent launch. The Tang L exhibits a more structured design than its predecessors, featuring distinct lighting arrangements.

Key aspects of the front end include dual-layer headlamps, with the upper section designated for daytime running lights and the lower section housing the main beams. The Tang L is outfitted with advanced technology, including a LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof. The vehicle's sleek profile is further enhanced by a slightly sloping roofline, retractable door handles, and a continuous taillight bar at the rear.

Tang L Expected Features 

Earlier reports indicated that the Tang L's interior features a six-seat configuration in a 2+2+2 layout, along with a large floating central display and a distinctive steering design. While the specifics regarding the engine options have yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model will utilize a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. The all-electric version is expected to be built on BYD's advanced platform, which supports the next generation of electric vehicles.

The official launch date for the BYD Tang L has not been disclosed, but industry experts and consumers alike are eagerly awaiting further details. With its innovative design and technological features, the Tang L is poised to make a notable impact in the competitive SUV market.

 

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Internet Reacts To Israel's Claim Of Yahya Sinwar's Wife's Rs 26 Lakh Bag

Days after Yahya Sinwar was killed in an Israeli operation in southern Gaza, a video has surfaced showing the Hamas leader, along with his wife and children, moving through a tunnel the night before the October 7 attack on Israel last year.

The CCTV footage, released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), captures Sinwar and his group carrying various supplies, including pillows, mattresses, a television, and several bags, into the tunnel.

In the clip, Sinwar's wife is seen holding a bag, which Israel claimed to be worth $32,000 (around Rs 26.90 lakh).

"Sinwar's wife was caught on camera sneaking into the tunnels the night before October 7, clutching a $32,000 Hermes Birkin bag! While Gazans faced hardships under Hamas, Sinwar and his family shamelessly lived in luxury, indulging while sending others to fight," Israel stated.

Lieutenant Colonel Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic language spokesperson, reiterated this claim, highlighting the contrast between the opulent lifestyle of Sinwar's family and the poverty experienced by most residents of Gaza, who "struggle to afford basic necessities."

However, internet users were quick to criticize these claims. Many on X pointed out that the bag was not a "Birkin," accusing Israel of spreading false information.

They are not stupid, they know that's not a Birkin, but they're pandering to an audience of evil, delusional beings who are willing to believe anything Israel says so they can continue their support without feelings of guilt bc the ppl they're murdering somehow deserve it. https://t.co/GZXsm1hx9O

— Rebecca Sevilla (@rebeccasev7) October 20, 2024

A user wrote, "They are not stupid, they know that's not a Birkin, but they're pandering to an audience of evil, delusional beings who are willing to believe anything Israel says so they can continue their support without feelings of guilt bc the ppl they're murdering somehow deserve it."

Another user commented, "Even someone with zero fashion sense knows this bag ain't no Hermes, not even close. How's the official Israel account gonna mess that up? Y'all are embarrassing yourselves out here."

"Haha such a lame propaganda to come up with, The oceans of the world are gonna dry up but your lies are never ending," the third user remarked. 

"Desperately clutching at straws. It's not a Birkin. And it's hilarious to see this coming from an official state account. You're neck and neck with old Katzy for the weirdest official account propaganda posts prize," the fourth user commented. 

"Isn't it embarrassing when an official account representing a state posts desperate propaganda? The world is laughing at you," the fifth user wrote. 

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All You Need To Know About Seema Sajdeh's Boyfriend, Vikram Ahuja

Seema Sajdeh is basking in the success of Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives. The Netflix original also features Maheep Kapoor, Neelam Kothari and Bhavana Pandey. This season also introduces new cast members Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Shalini Passi and Kalyani Saha Chawla. In one of the episodes, Seema introduced her new boyfriend, businessman Vikram Ahuja, to her friends. She was previously married to actor Sohail Khan. They got divorced in 2022. The duo share two sons, Nirvaan and Yohan. Just like many of us, we are sure that you must be curious to know the details of Seema Sajdeh's new beau, Vikram Ahuja. Here's what we know about him.

1. Vikram Ahuja is a businessman and the son of Devendra Ahuja, who was a multi-millionaire and served as the Managing Director of 20th Century Finance. Devendra Ahuja was also a promoter of Centurion Bank, according to Hindustan Times.

2. According to the same report, Vikram Ahuja and Seema Sajdeh were engaged in the 1990s.

3. Vikram Ahuja is the brother of Tanya Deol, a successful interior designer married to actor Bobby Deol.

4. According to a report from India Forums, Vikram Ahuja made headlines after his father, Devendra Ahuja, excluded his first wife, Marlene Ahuja and their two children, Vikram and Munisha, from his will.

5. The same report alleges that Vikram Ahuja was insulted by his father, Devendra Ahuja, who left everything to his sister, Tanya Deol. Devendra fell in love with an air hostess and married her.

Coming back to Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives, internet sensation Orry, also known as Orhan Awatramani, accused the show's creators of copying his content without giving him credit. A Reddit post shared a screenshot of Orry's Instagram Stories, where he expressed his concerns. He posted a video from the show, labelling it a "cheap copy" of his original reel. Orry expressed frustration about how much effort content creators put into developing their ideas over months. He described the situation as "shameful" and "unethical," emphasising the issue of plagiarism without recognizing the original creator. Click here to read the full copy.

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Inside Rakul Preet Singh's "Bed Rest Wala First Karwa Chauth"

Rakul Preet Singh's first Karwa Chauth celebrations after wedding was not a fun-filled one as she was advised to take rest following an injury she suffered during her workout session. The De De Pyaar De actor shared a picture of herself, lying in bed, on her Instagram stories. She can be seen sporting sindoor and wearing a red ensemble. Rakul wrote in the caption, "Bed rest wala first Karwa Chauth". Earlier, Rakul shared glimpses of her minimal mehendi. Re-sharing the story on his Instagram feed, Jackky Bhagnani wrote, "I am so hungry but I won't eat too." Rakul and Jackky had a destination wedding in Goa earlier this year.

Following her injury, Rakul shared a health update on her Instagram stories and said in a video message, "Well here's a little health update. I did something very stupid. I didn't listen to my body. I had a spasm, kept pushing it, turned into a major injury and I have been in bed for the last six days and I think it will take another week or so for me to fully recover." "I really hope I recover faster than that because it's not easy for me to give in and rest but it's a lesson learnt that please listen to your body when it gives you signals. Don't try to push. I thought that my mind was stronger than my body and it doesn't always work like that.", she added. She signed off by concluding, "Thank you so much for all your wishes for people who messaged me and I will bounce back stronger. Lots of love."

Rakul Preet Singh is known for films like Sardar Ka Grandson, Runway 34, Doctor G, Chhatriwali, Indian 2 to name a few.

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