NASA Spots ‘Flame-Throwing Guitar’ Nebula In Space

Nov 29 2024

New images released by NASA reveal the rapidly rotating pulsar in the “Guitar Nebula,” shooting a massive cosmic jet of plasma, X-rays, and supercharged particles. This pulsar, a rapidly spinning neutron star leftover from a massive star’s collapse, is located about 6,500 light-years from Earth.

The nebula itself, first discovered in 1993, is a cloud of hydrogen gas created by stellar winds from the pulsar, forming a “bow wave” as the star moves through space. The pulsar spins at around 3.6 million mph and emits a giant energy jet, stretching 2 light-years and resembling a flamethrower.

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This jet is a result of the pulsar’s intense magnetic fields, which accelerate particles along its poles, producing high-energy radiation, including X-rays. The jet’s energy can even create matter, turning pure energy into antimatter, in line with Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc².

The new images, captured by the Palomar Observatory and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, highlight the nebula’s structure and the jet’s ongoing evolution. The study of these phenomena could provide valuable insights into the interstellar medium and the complex forces at play between stars and space.

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Gozo SPCA Receives New Vans to Support Animal Rescues

Nov 29 2024

The Gozo SPCA has received a welcome boost with the addition of two new vans, funded by the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) from the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS). These vehicles are set to become vital tools for the organisation’s dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly to rescue and care for abandoned animals in Gozo.

At the inauguration, Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Work, Julia Farrugia, and MCVS CEO Mauro Pace Parascandolo were on hand to celebrate the new development. Minister Farrugia expressed the government’s continued support for voluntary organisations, praising the Gozo SPCA’s invaluable contribution to the community. She highlighted upcoming plans for a Voluntary Bank, designed to connect organisations with more volunteers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to volunteering.

Mark Thorogood, manager of the Gozo SPCA, shared that the vans would be key in helping the organisation rescue and rehome up to 250 animals each year. Beyond animal rescue, the vans will also assist with fundraising activities and support the Nature Trust in Gozo. Thorogood thanked MCVS for their generous support, which enables the Gozo SPCA to continue making a difference for animals in need.

Mauro Pace Parascandolo also commended the hardworking volunteers, ensuring that MCVS will continue to provide the resources and training needed to support their efforts.

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Malta’s Commitment To EU Space & Research Policies Highlighted In Brussels

Nov 29 2024

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti attended the Competitiveness (Research and Space) Council meeting in Brussels, where discussions entered on the EU’s space and research policies.

During the meeting, Azzopardi Tanti highlighted Malta’s commitment to advancing collaboration and addressing challenges in space and research, both of which are considered important for the Union’s innovation and long-term competitiveness.

In the area of research and innovation, Azzopardi Tanti discussed the need to address the innovation divide among EU member states, which he noted undermines the European Research Area.

He emphasised Malta’s support for initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in research and innovation capacities, believing that these efforts could help unlock the full potential of EU Member States.

Azzopardi Tanti also called for reduced fragmentation in Europe’s research landscape and stressed the importance of mobility and collaboration to address the issue of brain drain.

He reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to boosting research excellence at the national level and contributing to international partnerships aligned with EU goals.

On space policy, Azzopardi Tanti expressed Malta’s support for a balanced approach that ensures civilian oversight while fostering synergies with defence when appropriate.

He also highlighted the importance of securing space infrastructure and advocating for sustainable practices, including green technologies and debris mitigation. He emphasised that a coordinated EU space program would enhance the Union’s global competitiveness.

Throughout the meeting, Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the role of strategic investments in space and research for the EU’s future and expressed Malta’s support for the Council’s Conclusions.

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Heroic Rescue Transforms Burned Puppy into Firefighter Mascot

Nov 29 2024

A pit bull puppy named Jake, once trapped and badly burned in a garage fire, has become an unlikely hero at the Hanahan Fire Department in South Carolina. Last April, firefighter Bill Lindler responded to a fire at his neighbour’s garage and found Jake struggling to escape, injured after a piece of the ceiling collapsed on him.

After rescuing Jake, Lindler performed mouth-to-snout resuscitation and rushed him to a vet. Despite suffering burns over 70% of his body, Jake survived, but his owners did not return to claim him. Lindler decided to adopt Jake, and after weeks of recovery, he began bringing the puppy to the fire station.

Jake’s presence quickly lifted the spirits of the firefighters, and he became a fixture at the station, even donning a custom firefighter jacket. He also participated in local fire safety programs.

In December, Jake was officially sworn in as an honorary firefighter and named the department’s mascot. Lindler hopes Jake will eventually become a therapy dog for burn victims or an arson detection dog. “Jake’s scars are his badge,” said Lindler. “He’s a true survivor.”

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