A viral video claiming to show American astronaut Sunita Williams returning safely to Earth after a 127-day space tour is making rounds on social media and X. However, a closer look reveals that the video is from 2012 and shows Williams giving a tour of the International Space Station. Williams is actually still in space and is expected to return to Earth in February 2025. Further investigation reveals that the watermark on the video belongs to "UNILAD Adventure."
Sunita Williams' Return to Earth: A Viral Video Investigated
A viral video purporting to show American astronaut Sunita Williams returning to Earth has circulated on social media and messaging platforms. However, analysis reveals that the video is from 2012 and does not depict Williams' current return mission.
Background:
Sunita Williams is an Indian-American astronaut and former U.S. Navy officer. She holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, having spent 322 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2012.
Viral Video:
The viral video shows footage of Williams exiting a spacecraft and being greeted by a cheering crowd. However, the watermark on the video belongs to "UNILAD Adventure," a popular social media outlet that posts videos of extreme sports and adventure activities.
Investigation:
Upon closer examination, it became clear that the video was actually from Williams' 2012 spaceflight. The spacecraft she is shown exiting is the Soyuz TMA-05M, which brought her back to Earth after her extended stay on the ISS.
Williams' Current Mission:
Sunita Williams is currently on her third spaceflight. She launched to the ISS in September 2022 and is expected to return to Earth in February 2025. She is serving as a mission specialist aboard the Expedition 68/69 crew.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Is the viral video showing Sunita Williams returning to Earth in 2023? No, the video is from Williams' 2012 return mission.
2. When is Sunita Williams scheduled to return to Earth? She is expected to return in February 2025.
3. What is Sunita Williams' current mission on the ISS? She is serving as a mission specialist aboard the Expedition 68/69 crew.
4. Why was the viral video mislabeled? It is unclear why the video was falsely labeled as showing Williams' current return mission.
5. Is there a way to verify authentic information about Sunita Williams' spaceflight? Yes, you can visit the NASA website or follow Williams' official social media accounts for accurate and up-to-date information.
As China experiences an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, health officials in Telangana, India have issued a list of precautions for the public, despite no reported cases in the state. The respiratory virus, which primarily affects children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including mild cold-like illness and more serious respiratory conditions. However, the Indian health agency has assured that there is no cause for alarm and that the country does not need to worry at this time.
Renowned nuclear scientist and key figure in India's nuclear program, Dr. R Chidambaram, passed away at the age of 88. He was known for his contributions to nuclear research and played a significant role in India's nuclear tests and the country's civil nuclear agreement with the United States. His passing marks a significant loss for the scientific community and the country's progress in the field of nuclear technology.
The recent spread of a new virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China has sparked global concerns, with reports of increasing cases among children under 14. However, Indian health experts and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have dismissed the possibility of a widespread disruption. This is due to previous knowledge about HMPV and its similarity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory pathogen. While HMPV may be a trigger for asthma in infants, it is not as deadly as Covid-19 and there is no reason for alarm yet.
China's disease control authorities have launched pilot systems to monitor and report cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been linked to a recent flu outbreak. As the country continues to battle this respiratory virus, the World Health Organization calls for transparency and cooperation in researching the origins of COVID-19 to better prevent and prepare for future epidemics. Experts warn that people with weak respiratory health and weakened immune systems, as well as young children and the elderly, are most at risk for HMPV and urge preventive measures such as frequent hand washing and wearing masks.
Amidst growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, China confirms an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) among children under 14 years old, especially in northern provinces. HMPV is a respiratory illness similar to the common cold, with symptoms including coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Health officials are urging the public not to blindly use antiviral drugs to fight HMPV, as there is currently no vaccine against the virus. Antibiotics may be prescribed in extreme cases where HMPV has caused pneumonia and a secondary bacterial infection.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced draft guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education institutions, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. These courses, including emerging fields such as data analytics and AI, aim to enhance students' employability and support economic growth through a qualified workforce. Feedback on the guidelines will be accepted for the next 30 days, giving students and educators a chance to provide their input.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed two satellites, weighing 220kg, into a circular orbit of 475 km for a crucial space docking technology demonstration. This mission also included the launch of POEM-4 with 24 payloads from startups, industries, and academia. Scientist S Somanath stated that the docking process is expected to take place on January 7, after operations at ISTRAC Bengaluru from December 31. This mission is a major step towards future space missions for India.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV C60 mission on Monday night, marking a historic moment for the country's space exploration. The mission involved the launch of two spacecraft, which will demonstrate India's capabilities in orbital docking- a crucial technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of countries with this technology, furthering the country's ambitions to send humans to the Moon and establish its own space station.
India's ISRO launched its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C50) carrying two spacecraft, Spacecraft A and B, to test key technologies for the future establishment of a space station. This mission is a precursor to ISRO's goal of setting up its own space station by 2035 and will aid in space docking, satellite servicing, and future interplanetary missions. The successful launch marks another milestone for India's growing space program.
A new western disturbance is expected to affect the state of Rajasthan, bringing in light to moderate rain and hailstorms on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted this system to also bring snowfall in the Himalayan region. North India continues to face severe cold wave conditions, with some states experiencing temperatures as low as -10.6 degrees Celsius. However, some relief may be in sight for Rajasthan with these weather changes.