Lucinda King: Europa is one of the largest of more than 90 moons in orbit around the planet Jupiter. It is also one of the best places to look for alien life.Often termed an ocean world by scientists‚ observations to date strongly suggest that beneath Europas icy crust‚ there could be a liquid saltwater ocean containing twice as much water as Earths oceans. Now‚ Nasas Europa Clipper the largest spacecraft ever developed by the US space agency for a planetary mission may have the tools to detect it.As the Clipper spacecraft undergoes final testing and preparations before its October 2024 launch‚ scientists using one of the nine instruments onboard have made an exciting discovery. As well as determining whether Europa could support life‚ the instrument in question should in fact be capable of directly detecting alien life itself should it exist there.The three key ingredients for life are energy‚ liquid water and the right chemicals. The spacecraft will provide more detail on these ingredients at Europa‚ and therefore its potential for hosting life.Europa gets energy from the extreme tidal forces caused by Jupiters gravity‚ which push and pull the material of the moon‚ generating heat within it. It is this process that supports the theory of a liquid water ocean beneath the surface.Europas extraterrestrial ocean might contain the chemical building blocks for life. These include chemical elements such as carbon‚ oxygen‚ phosphorus and sulphur. But the mission team will also be on the lookout for organic compounds‚ which contain carbon and comprise many of the more complex chemicals vital in biology.Detecting the signatures of these chemicals is the key goal of the Europa Clipper mission. If such evidence can be found‚ this would indicate that Europa may be another place in the solar system capable of supporting life.A serendipitous findingThe Suda (Surface Dust Mass Analyser) instrument‚ led by the University of Colorado Boulder‚ is one of nine instruments on Europa Clipper. It will collect tiny ice grains and dust from the region above the surface as the spacecraft flies by the moon. The primary objective is to determine the composition of this material‚ and by analysing the trajectory‚ find out where on Europas surface it originated.Scientists believe that some icy material may come from eruptions‚ or plumes‚ on Europas surface. These plumes could carry water from the ocean below into space‚ so analysing what this material is composed of will give a good indication of the habitability of the ocean. The Suda instrument will also be able to determine whether material has originated from Europa itself‚ or has come from another nearby solar system object such as another moon of Jupiter.Speaking before the latest findings‚ Murthy Gudipati‚ a planetary scientist at Nasas Jet Propulsion Laboratory‚ said: We are not a life-finding mission. Europa Clippers goal is to understand Europas ocean and the moons habitability.But recent research published in Science Advances has shown that Clipper could be a life-finding mission after all. A group of scientists (from the University of Washington‚ the Free University of Berlin and the UKs Open University) tested an impact ionising mass spectrometer‚ the same type of instrument as Suda‚ in the lab under simulated conditions similar to those expected during the Europa mission.In the tiny ice crystals fired towards the equipment‚ the scientists also included some bacterial cell material. They found that even when just 1% of a cells complete material was included in an ice grain‚ they could still detect the presence of bacterial material. They were also able to determine that different modes of the instrument were better for detecting different organic compounds‚ such as fatty acids and amino acids.Fabian Klenner‚ one of the researchers‚ told New Scientist: If life forms on Europa follow the same principle of having a membrane and DNA made from amino acids then detecting those chemicals would be a smoking gun for life there.The Suda science team will use these findings to analyse the data from Europa when it arrives. They have a little while to get things ready: the spacecraft wont arrive at Europa until at least 2030.It would be a sufficiently fantastic result if Clipper can demonstrate that Europa has the necessary ingredients for life‚ and would undoubtedly lead to much research and speculation‚ as well as possible preparations for a follow-up mission to detect potential life. If Clipper can do all that‚ plus gather direct material from alien life at the same time‚ it would be a landmark scientific discovery.To date‚ no concrete evidence has been found of life beyond Earth‚ though there are indications of suitable conditions on some other solar system bodies. Life on Europa would be the first extraterrestrial biology ever conclusively detected. While this life is not likely to communicate with us any time soon‚ it would answer the burning question of whether biology can exist anywhere other than Earth.Proving that Europa supports or has supported life will enable researchers to develop and test theories on how that biology came to be. This in turn could also provide insights into the origins of life on our planet.Lucinda King‚ Space Projects Manager &;amp; Mission Design Lead‚ University of PortsmouthThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The post Scientists might soon be able to detect if alien life exists on Jupiters moon appeared first on Anomalien.com.

In the sparsely populated hilly region of Southern England‚ adjacent to the coast‚ lies the South Downs National Park. This park has a small lake where night fishing enthusiasts love to come. And recently‚ one after another‚ they began to report that an unidentified creature had appeared there‚ because of which some of them were forced to give up their hobby and hastily leave the park. Members of the Cryptid and Paranormal Investigations group on Facebook observed multiple instances of close calls with a creature so evil that it made the fishermen up sticks and depart straight away‚ The Daily Star reports.I suddenly felt an incredible sense of tension‚ and it was a feeling that I had never experienced before or since. It truly felt as if someone was watching me‚ and I was not welcome here‚ says a man named Mike Brown. Another fisherman‚ Michael Brindle‚ said he was sitting on a chair next to his fishing rods and dozed off a little when he was awakened by a loud growl coming from the other side of the lake. I was dozing on my chair next to the rods when I was woken by a loud growl from the opposite bank‚ he said.And when he looked in that direction‚ he noticed something large there that was running quickly on two legs. And she didnt just run‚ but with superhuman agility climbed up a steep slope‚ where not a single person could avoid injury. According to Brindle‚ that steep slope was dangerous to walk on even in daylight and risked serious injury‚ and the creature certainly did not have any lighting. He was so scared that he quickly packed his things and left. None of the fishermen could examine this creature in detail‚ but they are sure that it was not some kind of joker and also not some ordinary forest animal. Mike said: I think though the most standout thing is the terrain being covered in the dark‚ it sounds dangerous enough to attempt in the daylight let alone in the dark! When you cant see any obvious signs of torchlight‚ thats the really scary part because no human could do it without suffering injury.His roar really frightened Brundle: The hairs on my arms stood on end. I hope I never hear that again‚ he added.The post Snarling bipedal creature scares night fishermen in southern England appeared first on Anomalien.com.

The famous astrophysicist from Harvard University‚ Professor Avi Loeb‚ suggested that aliens could use collapsed dimensions for travel.Loeb argues that these hidden dimensions‚ which scientists are trying to uncover using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)‚ may be the key to understanding how aliens travel vast distances in space.Aliens may have been developing dimension-hopping technology for billions of years‚ Loeb said. They can use theoretical quantum-gravitational engineering to travel through these hidden dimensions.Avi LoebQuantum mechanics‚ discovered a century ago‚ is the basis of much modern technology‚ but Loeb believes our understanding of it is incomplete. He argues that the unification of quantum mechanics and gravity requires the existence of additional spatial dimensions‚ which are currently collapsed.The worlds largest particle collider‚ the LHC‚ was built to search for these extra dimensions by colliding protons at incredible speeds. Scientists hope to discover specific particles that may indicate the existence of these hidden dimensions.Loeb suggests that aliens traveling through these extra-dimensional dimensions could reduce the risk of collision with other objects.If there are extra dimensions‚ then reality as we know it extends to them‚ Loeb said. This could lead to much more diverse and interesting life forms.Loebs theory is based on advanced physical concepts and is therefore difficult to prove or disprove. However‚ the astrophysicists assumption opens up the possibility that aliens may use technologies that are not available to us today.If scientists discover evidence of hidden dimensions‚ it could lead to revolutionary changes in our understanding of the Universe and open the way to contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.The post Harvard scientist claims aliens may be using hidden dimensions to travel appeared first on Anomalien.com.

The Great Filter is a hypothetical concept in the context of the Fermi Paradox that seeks to explain why‚ despite high estimates for the probability of extraterrestrial civilizations‚ humanity has not encountered any clear evidence of them. It suggests that at some step from pre-life to an advanced civilization capable of colonizing galaxies‚ there is a highly improbable stage. This stage acts as a filter that prevents the emergence or longevity of such civilizations. Now‚ lets explore a creative take on whether artificial intelligence (AI) could become a modern interpretation of the Great Filter. Imagine a future where AI development This premium content is for PLUS+ members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Could AI become the Great Filter keeping us from contacting aliens? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

In a remarkable fusion of folklore and cutting-edge technology‚ the Loch Ness Monster Centre has extended an official invitation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to join the quest for one of the worlds most enigmatic creaturesNessie‚ the Loch Ness Monster. This collaboration marks a new chapter in the storied search for the elusive beast that has captured imaginations for decades.The Loch Ness Monster Centre‚ a hub for all things Nessie‚ is orchestrating what is poised to be the grandest monster hunt in recent memory. Following last years extensive search‚ which engaged hundreds of volunteers and utilized a fleet of webcams‚ drones‚ and hydrophones‚ the Centre is preparing for an even more ambitious endeavor scheduled from May 30th to June 2nd. This years hunt is not just a search; its a call to arms for experts across various fields to contribute their knowledge and technology in pursuit of the legendary creature.The spotlight shines on NASA‚ whose participation could revolutionize the search. The Centres marketing manager‚ Aimee Todd‚ expressed hope that NASAs advanced imaging technologies could peer into the lochs depths like never before.We are hoping that experts from NASA might have some advanced imaging technology to scan the loch‚ said Loch Ness Centre marketing manager Aimee Todd.We would have to sit down and talk to them about how to get it here.The timing of the search is symbolic‚ coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the first major expedition led by Sir Edward Mountain in 1934. The historical resonance adds a layer of gravity to the proceedings‚ honoring the legacy of explorers who have sought the truth behind the legend.Last years search garnered international attention‚ drawing participants from across the globe. General manager Paul Nixon reflected on the unexplained sounds and potential sightings reported during the event‚ fueling the determination to delve deeper into the mystery this year.One thing is certainthe search for the Loch Ness Monster continues‚ now with the possibility of space-age technology illuminating the path forward.The post NASA Joins the Quest: The Loch Ness Monster Hunt Intensifies appeared first on Anomalien.com.

In the realm of extraordinary animal companions‚ few stories capture the heart quite like that of Ollie‚ a baby cow with an adventurous spirit and a deep bond with his human family. Ollies tale is not just one of a pet and owner but of a unique kinship that defies the norm and challenges our...The post Special baby cow hops aboard jet ski and insists on riding it with his dad appeared first on Animal Channel.

A Heart-Wrenching Beginning The tale of Gracie starts with sorrow and abandonment. This little soul entered the world facing rejection due to a simple but profound birth defect. Her initial family‚ unable to cope with her needs‚ left her at a veterinary office‚ a sad decision reflecting the challenges of caring for a special needs...The post Puppy with no front legs gets lego wheelchair from boy that changes her life appeared first on Animal Channel.

On a bone-chilling 4-degree day‚ a heartwarming story began to unfold in an abandoned house‚ sparked by a concerned citizens call. A mama pit bull and her puppies were found shivering‚ their vulnerability striking a chord with everyone at the scene. The rescuers Natalie and Donna‚ moved by compassion‚ navigated the dilapidated building to reach...The post Woman runs into decrepit house to try to save freezing pittie mama and her babies appeared first on Animal Channel.

In the heart of Minneapolis‚ Minnesota‚ a story of unyielding friendship unfolded at the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC). Brenda and Linda‚ two pit bulls with an inseparable bond‚ found themselves within the confines of the shelter. Their connection was so profound that the concept of being apart seemed alien to them. Having shared...The post Loyal pittie separated from soulmate in shelter goes to incredible lengths to be reunited appeared first on Animal Channel.