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Why is Nasa’s OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample canister ‘scientific treasure box’ to scientists?

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1 year ago

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As scientists took a closer look at the sample of the near-Earth asteroid Bennu that was recently collected by Nasa, they were greeted with a pleasant surprise.

Last week, scientists discovered a dark, fine-grained material on the inside of a canister containing a sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu which could provide key insights about the asteroid before the primary sample is analysed.

Nasa’s 7-year OSIRIS-Rex mission returned to Earth on September 24, carrying the asteroid sample, topping a total trip distance of some 3.86 billion miles.

The canister, which according to Nasa is a “scientific treasure box,” was taken to Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where a clean room was built for the analysis of the cosmic sample.

Asteroids, remnants of the solar system’s formation, provide insights into the early days of planet formation. However, they also pose a threat to Earth, highlighting the importance of understanding their composition and orbits crucial for deflecting space rocks on collision courses, CNN reported.

In October 2020, OSIRIS-REx used its ouch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) head to collect a sample from Bennu’s surface, which gathered so much material that particles drifted off into space before being stowed in a canister.

Scientists believed they could analyse the material quickly, but there was plenty before reaching the bulk of the sample, requiring more time to collect all the material.

“The very best ‘problem’ to have is that there is so much material, it’s taking longer than we expected to collect it,” said Christopher Snead, deputy OSIRIS-REx curation lead, in a statement.

“There’s a lot of abundant material outside the TAGSAM head that’s interesting in its own right. It’s really spectacular to have all that material there.”

The asteroid sample will be revealed on October 11 in a live Nasa broadcast. The TAGSAM head will be carefully disassembled in a specialised glovebox to reveal initial findings from Bennu material.

“We have all the microanalytical techniques that we can throw at this to really, really tear it apart, almost down to the atomic scale,” said Lindsay Keller, OSIRIS-REx sample analysis team member, in a statement.

Additionally, the team plans to examine Bennu’s collected material using scanning electron microscopes, X-rays, and infrared instruments to understand its chemical composition and detect hydrated minerals or organic particles.

The instruments will also reveal the abundance of specific minerals on the asteroid.

The initial analysis will help researchers have a better idea of what to expect from the bulk sample collected from Bennu.

Scientists believe asteroids like Bennu may have introduced essential elements like water to Earth early in our planet’s formation, potentially answering questions about the origins of our solar system.

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Unlawful VPNs: Terrorists Utilize Unregistered VPNs to Disseminate Propaganda

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Terrorists utilize illicit VPNs to disseminate propaganda and misinformation while concealing their identities.

Several accounts have been uncovered and are under investigation.

The cessation of non-registered VPNs is crucial for the nation’s economy.

The PTA is blocking illegal URLs and websites disseminating objectionable material upon verification.

Forensic investigations of websites have yielded startling results.

Disseminating erroneous information is more facile using unregistered VPNs.

Terrorists were exploiting these unverified VPNs.

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Air University Holds A Revolutionary Event For Students Focusing On Cybersecurity

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19 hours ago

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Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest.
Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.

Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge.
As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.

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How to turn on low-light mode on WhatsApp for better video calls

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19 hours ago

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The Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched a new feature designed to facilitate video calls in low-light environments.

Frequent users of WhatsApp for video calls with loved ones may appreciate the recently launched low-light mode.

The function enhances video call clarity in low-light conditions, facilitating more effective connections regardless of location.

Are you inclined to experiment with it? Here is a comprehensive guide on employing low-light mode to enhance video quality during WhatsApp calls.

A sequential instructional manual

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your device.

Step 2: Commence a video call with any family member or acquaintance.

Step 3: Observe the bulb icon positioned at the top-right corner of your screen.

Step 4: Select the bulb icon to activate it. To deactivate it, you click on the icon once more.

Your friends and family will now perceive you more distinctly due to improved visibility and less graininess, regardless of the surrounding lighting circumstances. This feature is presently accessible solely on Android and iOS devices, and not on Windows.

Furthermore, explore: Methods to categorise WhatsApp conversations using personalised lists: A sequential instructional manual.

Key considerations to retain

As this is a provisional configuration, it must be activated with each call you make.

In addition to the low-light mode, WhatsApp provides several additional intriguing features for video calls, such as background removal, filters, and enhancement options.

Background removal: The background remover function allows you to alter your backdrop during video conferences.

Filters: This functionality enables you to apply a filter from a selection during video calls with friends and family, enhancing the vibrancy of your interactions.

WhatsApp offers a fundamental touch-up feature to improve your appearance during video talks.

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