A rare geomagnetic storm, powered by a high-speed stream of solar wind from a coronal hole in the Sun, is lighting up the skies with aurora borealis across more than a dozen U.S. states from August 18–20, 2025. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rates the event as a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm, with peak visibility expected from 10p.m. to 4a.m. The spectacle appears more vivid due to dark skies before the moon rises, offering skywatchers vibrant views of green and pink auroras across the northern horizon.
Scientists have finally resolved a 40-year puzzle surrounding Uranus. Voyager 2’s 1986 flyby suggested the planet produced no internal heat, unlike other gas giants. However, new research analyzing more than 70 years of data shows Uranus does emit heat—about 12.5% more than it absorbs from the Sun. Voyager 2’s timing, during solstice and a solar event, likely masked the signal. Long-term observations reveal Uranus’s thermal output shifts with its 20-year seasons. This breakthrough strengthens the case for a dedicated NASA mission, which could unravel the planet’s odd tilt, history, and evolution.
India has announced an ambitious plan to set up its own space station, called the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, with the goal of making it operational by 2035. This ambitious project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 79th Independence Day celebrations, reflecting the country’s growing aspiration for self-reliance and leadership in space exploration. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront of this mission, aiming to install the first module in orbit as early as 2028 and complete the full station by 2035.
Why a Space Station?
A space station will allow India to carry out extended human presence in space—enabling advanced scientific experiments and research. It marks a significant shift from India’s earlier achievements in launching satellites and planetary missions to embarking on longer, sustainable space journeys. This project will place India among a select group of nations—such as the United States, Russia, and China—who have developed their own space stations.
Youth Power and Innovation
One of the most remarkable aspects of this venture is the involvement of young engineers and scientists. According to PM Modi, thousands of Indian youths and more than 300 space startups are actively working to bring this dream to reality. He highlighted this as a sign of India’s rising confidence in its youth and innovative capacity. The project is expected to open up new opportunities for research and collaboration, strengthening India’s position in global space diplomacy and technological innovation.
The Road Ahead
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is a key part of ISRO’s broader goals, which include the Gaganyaan manned mission planned for 2027, along with upcoming missions to the Moon and Venus. As India moves towards greater independence in space technology, this space station symbolizes national achievement and seeks to motivate future generations while strengthening India’s scientific capabilities in space exploration.
Legendary astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the famed Apollo 13 mission, died at his Lake Forest, Illinois home on August 7, 2025, at age 97. Known for his extraordinary leadership during the 1970 mission that faced a life-threatening malfunction, Lovell helped safely guide his crew back to Earth, turning crisis into one of NASA’s greatest triumphs. He flew four historic space missions and was the first person to journey to the Moon twice without landing. Portrayed by Tom Hanks in Apollo 13, Lovell leaves behind a legacy of courage, optimism, and inspiration for generations.
NASA and SpaceX are launching the Crew-11 mission on July 31, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station. This mission carries four astronauts—Commander Zena Cardman, Pilot Mike Fincke, and mission specialists Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov—embarking on vital research in space, including stem cell manufacturing and liver tissue studies. The Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft is making its record sixth flight. Live coverage starts at 8 a.m. EDT, with docking expected on August 2. The mission reflects adjustments due to Boeing Starliner delays and continues NASA’s ongoing Commercial Crew Program.
Rocket Lab is racing to launch its new Neutron rocket from Virginia, but there’s one problem—shallow waters. The company asked regulators to let it use a temporary technique called “kedging” to tow oversized rocket parts through tricky channels until federal approval for dredging comes through. Without this, their September delivery deadline could slip. Despite investing millions into the MARS launch site, lack of deep-water access might delay Neutron’s 2025 debut. Rocket Lab’s workaround shows how infrastructure, not tech, could slow down the space race. They’re literally stuck waiting for permission to dig a deeper path to space.
Varda Space just raised a whopping $187 million to take drug-making to the next level—literally. The company’s planning to produce key pharma ingredients in space, where zero gravity helps with things like crystallizing proteins. A new 10,000 sq. ft. lab in California will be planning which biologics should be sent to orbit. Varda’s already completed 3 space missions and aims for 4 more this year. They’re also building spacecraft in-house now and testing hypersonic tech for the U.S. military. The big goal? Solve tricky pharma problems and license out high-value patents.
