
Nasa gets ‘puzzling’ data back from Lucy spacecraft exploring distant object
Nasa has received “puzzling” data from a spacecraft that was studying a distant asteroid. The space agency’s Lucy Spacecraft left Earth in 2021, with the aim of studying “Jupiter trojans”, a set of asteroids that fly around the Sun along Jupiter’s orbit and remain largely mysterious. Recently, scientists decided to send it to visit another small object on its way, largely as a test of the systems on the spacecraft that let it track asteroids for its mission. When Lucy arrived at that object – a main belt asteroid named Dinkinesh – it found a surprise, however. Images taken of the asteroid showed that it had a satellite, which flies around the asteroid like a tiny moon of its own. Now, further examination of those images show that the satellite is not one but two objects. Those objects make up a “contact binary”, or two smaller objects that are touching each other as they fly through space. The unexpected discovery explains some of the strange data that scientists had received as they approached Lucy. But it opens up more confusion about the whole system, which one called “bizarre”. “Contact binaries seem to be fairly common in the solar system,” said John Spencer, Lucy deputy project scientist, in a statement. “We haven’t seen many up-close, and we’ve never seen one orbiting another asteroid. “We’d been puzzling over odd variations in Dinkinesh’s brightness that we saw on approach, which gave us a hint that Dinkinesh might have a moon of some sort, but we never suspected anything so bizarre!” The flyby of Dinkinesh was only intended as a test of the spacecraft’s systems but has now posed new possible research for scientists. “It’s truly marvelous when nature surprises us with a new puzzle,” said Tom Statler, Lucy program scientist from NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Great science pushes us to ask questions that we never knew we needed to ask.” “It is puzzling, to say the least,” said Hal Levison, principal investigator for Lucy, also from Southwest Research Institute. “I would have never expected a system that looks like this. In particular, I don’t understand why the two components of the satellite have similar sizes. This is going to be fun for the scientific community to figure out.” The scientists were only able to confirm the nature of the system with the multiple images that were sent back by Lucy in the wake of its encounter with Dinkinesh. Nasa is working now to get the rest of the data from the spacecraft, which might include yet more surprises. Lucy itself will continue flying through space on a journey that is due to take 12 years. Lucy is actually heading back to Earth, which it will use for a gravity assist to propel it onto the next part of its journey, back through the main asteroid belt and onto the Trojan asteroids. Read More Nasa sending VR headset up to ISS to treat astronaut’s mental health All-UK space mission will ‘push boundaries of human knowledge’ All-female Nasa astronaut team departs International Space Station on spacewalk
2023-11-09 02:57

College Football Picks: No. 2 Michigan visits No. 9 Penn State in its first test of the season
Finally, No. 2 Michigan gets a test
2023-11-09 02:49

Mets pitcher David Peterson to miss start of season following hip surgery
New York Mets pitcher David Peterson is projected to miss the start of next season following surgery to repair a torn labrum in left hip
2023-11-09 02:28

Sporting KC defender Ndenbe tore ACL against St. Louis, will miss rest of MLS Cup playoffs
Sporting Kansas City defender Logan Ndenbe tore the ACL in his right knee in the club’s win over St. Louis City last weekend, sidelining him for the rest of the MLS Cup playoffs and into next season
2023-11-09 02:25

Scientists detect oxygen in noxious atmosphere of Venus
By Will Dunham WASHINGTON Oxygen accounts for about 21% of Earth's air, with the rest of our atmosphere
2023-11-09 02:21

Gareth Southgate ponders defensive options ahead of naming latest England squad
John Stones’ injury has given England manager Gareth Southgate the chance to explore his centre-back options in the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. The City defender was forced off with a problem in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Young Boys with boss Pep Guardiola admitting it is “deep bad news”. Stones only returned to action in October after a two-month absence with hamstring and hip problems but Southgate had no hesitation in starting him in the important qualifying win over Italy. But with qualification for the summer’s tournament in Germany already secured, Southgate – who names his squad on Thursday – can afford to look at his back-up options. Brighton captain Lewis Dunk and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori started together in last month’s friendly win over Australia but Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi was the man Southgate opted to replace Stones for the final 27 minutes against Italy and has the most caps of the trio. Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw meant Kieran Trippier filled in at left-back against Italy but Chelsea’s Levi Colwill started against Australia and could be another one to benefit from any experimentation. Colwill’s club captain Reece James could be in for a recall having returned from injury while Chelsea team-mate Raheem Sterling will be hoping two goals and some improved form in his last five matches will earn him a call-up for the first time since the World Cup. Those chances could be enhanced depending on the extent of the ankle injury sustained by James Maddison during Tottenham’s loss to Chelsea on Monday and how significant the hamstring problem which forced off Callum Wilson in Newcastle’s Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund. But Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka should return after withdrawing from the squad in October. Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips’ 49 minutes of action since his international start against Italy is unlikely to count against him, but James Ward-Prowse is knocking on the door of a first call-up in 14 months after a number of good performances for West Ham. Read More Jos Buttler wants to remain as England one-day captain despite poor World Cup Lauren Williams opens up on challenging time coping with Tokyo heartbreak Michael O’Neill expecting a tough international window for Northern Ireland
2023-11-09 02:16

The NFL's youth movement at quarterback reaches a new milestone
The generational shift at quarterback in the NFL reached a new milestone last week
2023-11-09 01:58

NBA takes rebound away from Miami's Bam Adebayo, denying him rare 20-rebound triple-double
Bam Adebayo had Miami’s first 20-rebound triple-double in team history
2023-11-09 01:56

Spirit Aero shares fall on new capital raise plans
By Chibuike Oguh NEW YORK (Reuters) -Shares of Spirit AeroSystems dropped by nearly 15% on Wednesday after the embattled aerospace
2023-11-09 01:28

Is Arsenal vs Sevilla on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Champions League
Arsenal look to return to winning ways in the Champions League tonight as the Gunners host Sevilla at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s side have lost their last two matches following their Carabao Cup exit at West Ham last week and a controversial first defeat of the Premier League season away to Newcastle on Saturday. Arsenal are in a strong position in their Champions League group after securing an important 2-1 win in Seville last time out - a result that left the Gunners top of Group B, a point ahead of second-placed Lens and four clear of both Seville and PSV. Qualification for the last-16 could be secured tonight should Arsenal beat last season’s Europa League winners and PSV fail to beat Lens at home. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Champions League fixture; get the latest match odds and tips here. When is it? Arsenal host Sevilla on Wednesday 8 November with kick-off at 8pm at the Emirates Stadium. How can I watch it? The match will be shown live on TNT Sports, with coverage getting underway on TNT Sports 2 from 7pm. TNT Sports customers can also stream the match live on Discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. What is the team news? Martin Odegaard missed the defeat at Newcastle due to injury and is a doubt - while Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey remain out. Spain great Sergio Ramos is a major doubt for Sevilla due to a calf injury. Predicted line-ups Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Rice, Jorginho, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli Sevilla: Nyland; Navas, Gudelj, Bade, Acuna; Sow, Soumare, Rakitic; Ocampos, En-Nesyri, Lukebakio Odds Arsenal 1/3 Draw 19/4 Sevilla 9/1 Full odds here Prediction Arsenal 2-1 Sevilla Read More Jonas Eidevall hits back at Gareth Taylor over ‘bullying’ claim: ‘It’s slander’ Rumours: Chelsea and Man Utd want £43m full-back as Arsenal delay Toney chase FA asks Mikel Arteta and Arsenal for observations after referee comments Arteta vows to ‘talk loudly’ about VAR as he stands by outburst after Newcastle loss What do Arsenal, Man City, Man United and Newcastle need to reach last UCL 16? Mikel Arteta doubles down on VAR comments and vows to ‘talk loudly’ after criticism
2023-11-09 01:23

Is Copenhagen v Man Utd on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Champions League fixture online and on TV
Manchester United take on Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday as they bid to finish in the qualifying places of Group A. Erik ten Hag’s side sit third in the group, six points behind Bayern Munich in top spot, and one point behind second-placed Galatasaray. United were able to end a poor run of form with a fortunate 1-0 over Fulham on Saturday, although it had looked for most of the game like they might be about to lose out again. Wednesday will offer another chance for Ten Hag to restore some pride to the club who go into the match eighth in the Premier League table and with pressure building on the manager, especially following last week’s 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Here’s everything you need to know about the match and get the latest tips and odds for the game here. When is it? Manchester United take on FC Copenhagen in the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday 8 November at 8pm GMT at the Parken Stadium. How can I watch it? The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting at 7pm GMT, TNT Sports can be streamed via the Discovery+ app. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Manchester United have had a host of injury issues so far this season, and the club are likely to continue to be without Casemiro for the match, but Marcus Rashford could be included in the squad after only being ruled out of the Fulham game by a late fitness test. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo are all on the long-term injury list however and will not be included. Predicted line up Manchester United XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Dalot, McTominay, Eriksen, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund Odds Copenhagen 11/4 Draw 21/10 Manchester United 8/11 Full odds here Prediction Despite United’s recent form, it is still hard to look past them against the team bottom of Group A. Copenhagen 1-2 Manchester United. Read More Manchester United’s latest moment of inspiration covers up the same old problem Marcus Rashford faces disciplinary action after ‘unacceptable’ partying The Fulham star set to show Man United the midfield move they should have made Dortmund won the battle but are losing the war for the future of football John Stones injury leaves Manchester City ‘in trouble’, says Pep Guardiola Newcastle discover brutal truth – it’s so much harder in the Champions League
2023-11-08 22:19

Manchester United must pass Copenhagen test to stop their Champions League rot
Over the last few weeks, in what has been a highly pressurised period in games, the Manchester United squad have noted a shift in training. Erik ten Hag has been doing a conspicuous amount of fitness work. Some players feel this has been more of a focus than tactical sessions. Critics and opposition analysts might well say that’s obvious, given that even FC Copenhagen dominated the ball for long periods of that Champions League-saving win at Old Trafford. One of the themes of the season has been how United just haven’t played anything close to Ten Hag’s supposed tactical ideal. Many of the recent games have actually been reminiscent of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time, especially in how individual inspiration has brought wins out of unconvincing collective displays. That’s also why their fitness work may be important. Durability has been one of the few current qualities keeping United going, and may well prevent Ten Hag from emulating Solskjaer in another way. It may stop them from going out in the group stage again, just as they did in 2020-21. Early elmination isn’t just something that should be put at Solskjaer’s feet, though, nor is it the sole motivation for Wednesday’s game in the Danish capital. United are in some way playing for their modern Champions League legacy. The club’s dismal recent record in the world’s elite competition is as telling a measure as any other of their recent malaise. They may have never dropped out of thhe Deloitte Football Money League top five in terms of revenue, but they barely trouble the Champions League last eight. United haven’t even been to the last four since 2011, which was also the last time they reached the final. In the time since, United have qualified for the competition eight times and gone out at the group stage three times. That is more than they’ve reached the quarter-finals, which has been just twice. Among the clubs to finish above them in their groups since then are Benfica, Basel, PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain. One of a few ambitions for Copenhagen here is to become another name on a fairly moderate list. They’re well aware they can claim a potentially decisive result, as performance in the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford showed. Copenhagen got significant confidence from it, despite is ending. They know they should have claimed at least a draw, only for Andre Onana to stop Jordan Larsson’s penalty in what could yet prove to be a hinge moment in the campaign. For the moment, the feeling in Copenhagen is one of huge excitement. It can be sensed in all of their pre-match talk, and how they consider themselves favourites. Ten Hag was diplomatic there. “They are entitled to feel like they are favourites,” the United coach said, before playing all that down. “We’ll go into the game with confidence and aiming to win as well.” That latter point may have raised more eyebrows than Copenhagen’s proclamation since United just do not look like a confident side right now. They instead seem to be playing with the knowledge that one thing going wrong can lead to everything going wrong. A relatively fortuitous late 1-0 win at Fulham doesn’t wave away what happened against Manchester City and Newcastle United. A second victory in a row would admittedly help a bit more, especially one so important for their Champions League future. That sums up where United are right now. It’s like they’re constantly just trying to just get through it, to get to the next step in order to give themselves, the many injured players and their manager some breathing space. Bigger ideas about tactical philosophies can wait. Ten Hag referenced this when he discussed how to improve performance. “By getting more to our best 11 and getting routines in the team. So far, we’ve had to change a lot. The midfield balance is also not there. I'm sure once we get there, we’ll play better.” This is one match when they can’t afford to wait. Otherwise, it will be more of the same in the Champions League, while making that record worse. Ten Hag badly needs to avoid defeat. Physical form can be decisive there, since United do just have higher quality than Copenhagen. That might make it another of those where superior execution late on proves decisive. It shouldn’t really be coming down to games like this, though, when the financial gap between the two clubs is so vast. You just wouldn’t guess it from United’s Champions League record. Read More Rumours: Chelsea and Man Utd want £43m full-back as Arsenal delay Toney chase Jacob Neestrup: Parken atmosphere is 100 times more intense than Old Trafford Manchester United receive devastating Casemiro injury update Alejandro Garnacho to face no punishment over Andre Onana gorilla emoji post What do Arsenal, Man City, Man United and Newcastle need to reach last UCL 16? Christian Eriksen’s trip to Copenhagen is a homecoming with a difference
2023-11-08 21:55