US Astronauts Observe First Asteroid from outside Solar System

KOI-314c, the lightest planet to have both size and mass
measured. This gaseous ‘Super Earth’ is 60% larger than our planet.
(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics/AFP)
KOI-314c, the lightest planet to have both size and mass measured. This gaseous ‘Super Earth’ is 60% larger than our planet. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics/AFP)
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US Astronauts Observe First Asteroid from outside Solar System

KOI-314c, the lightest planet to have both size and mass
measured. This gaseous ‘Super Earth’ is 60% larger than our planet.
(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics/AFP)
KOI-314c, the lightest planet to have both size and mass measured. This gaseous ‘Super Earth’ is 60% larger than our planet. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics/AFP)

US space scientists announced that a small asteroid or comet, which has been spotted racing through our solar system, may have come from elsewhere in the galaxy, possibly marking the first such interstellar visitor observed from Earth.

The mystery object, so far known only as A/2017 U1, was discovered earlier this month by a researcher using a sophisticated telescope system at the University of Hawaii that continually scans the universe for such phenomenon.

The mass, a quarter mile (400 meters) in diameter, quickly stood out for scientists because of its extreme orbit, coming from the direction of the constellation Lyra, almost directly above the ecliptic plane where the planets and other asteroids orbit the sun.

Reuters reported that the mass crossed under that plane just outside Mercury’s orbit on Sept. 2 before being slung by the sun’s massive gravity into a sharp turn under our solar system. The closest the object came to Earth was about 15 million miles away on Oct. 14.

NASA scientists said if the object is formally established as the first of its kind spotted from Earth, rules for naming it would have to be set out by the International Astronomical Union.



Saudi Arabia’s NCVC Announces Success of 3 Major Mangrove Cultivation Projects 

Project sites were selected based on environmental priorities, including ecological sensitivity, need for restoration, and technical feasibility. (SPA)
Project sites were selected based on environmental priorities, including ecological sensitivity, need for restoration, and technical feasibility. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s NCVC Announces Success of 3 Major Mangrove Cultivation Projects 

Project sites were selected based on environmental priorities, including ecological sensitivity, need for restoration, and technical feasibility. (SPA)
Project sites were selected based on environmental priorities, including ecological sensitivity, need for restoration, and technical feasibility. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) announced the successful completion of three major projects for cultivating mangrove trees (Avicennia marina) along the coasts of Tabuk, the Eastern Region, and Jazan, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

With a success rate exceeding 90%, these efforts come as part of NCVC's broader commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems and enhancing environmental and economic sustainability, in conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

General Director of the General Department of Forests Eng. Samir Malaika said these projects have helped in the rehabilitation of more than 170 hectares of degraded coastal forests. The initiatives involved planting local Avicennia marina saplings based on scientific principles that consider tidal movements and water currents.

In Umluj, located in Tabuk Region, the NCVC restored around 50 hectares of mangrove forests, positively impacting biodiversity, improving soil and water quality, and protecting coastlines from erosion.

The project has also fostered increased biodiversity, the return of various bird and fish species, the enhancement of natural carbon stocks, and has supported the Kingdom's efforts to address the impacts of climate change.

Project sites were selected based on environmental priorities, including ecological sensitivity, need for restoration, and technical feasibility. NCVC's technical teams conducted detailed field surveys, assessing soil properties, salinity levels, and site suitability for mangrove cultivation, in addition to executing experimental trials.

In celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, head of Corporate Communications and Official Spokesperson Abdulaziz Abuhaimed launched the occasion's visual identity. The design reflects the environmental and economic significance of mangroves and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives of conserving natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability.