SpaceX Rocket Stage Leaves New Mark on Moon's Surface After Impact

The upper stage of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket left a new mark on the Moon's surface after colliding with the lunar surface last Wednesday (the 5th). The impact occurred near the Einstein crater and was recorded by the South Korean probe Danuri.

Images published by the South Korean space agency demonstrate differences between the area before and after the collision, showing a noticeable change in the landscape caused by the object arriving at a speed of about 8,700 km/h.

The equipment that reached the Moon was part of a launch conducted in January 2025, when Falcon 9 delivered the ispace company's mission into space. The upper stage subsequently followed an unforeseen trajectory until the moment of impact.

Visual confirmation of the collision was obtained thanks to Danuri, also known as the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO). The spacecraft used its high-resolution camera, named Lunar Terrain Imager (LUTI), to compare recordings of this area at different times.

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) reported that the observed change in the images corresponds to a new mark in the affected area. The agency also warned that videos circulating on social media allegedly showing the moment of impact are unreliable.

The location demonstrated a change in appearance after the impact, with a darker area identified in the photographs. According to the provided information, this feature was absent in previous recordings of the same area, confirming the link to the falling rocket stage.

NASA plans to conduct new observations using its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter for a more detailed analysis of the collision's consequences. The agency's initial forecast suggested that the resulting crater would have a width of about 18 meters and a depth of 4 meters.

The possibility of naming the new lunar mark after Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, sparked discussion after the incident was revealed. However, astronomers rejected this possibility according to official naming rules.

According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), locations formed by spacecraft collisions do not fall under the official process of naming lunar features. The organization explained that such names are reserved for natural formations used in scientific research and maps.

Rita Schulz, president of the IAU group responsible for planetary nomenclature, stated in an interview with New Scientist that mission teams can create unofficial nicknames for impact sites, but these names do not become part of the official registry. The specialist also emphasized that another rule prohibits official tributes to living people in craters and other formations; for such an honor, the person must have been dead for at least three years.

The South Korean probe entered lunar orbit in December 2022, after it was also launched by a SpaceX rocket. The equipment is at an altitude of about 100 km, and its mission has been extended until 2027 from the initial one-year projection.

The collision occurred after the upper stage of the rocket was on a trajectory approaching the Moon, which was due to factors such as solar activity and gravity, according to information attributed to SpaceX.

Experts noted that despite the wide resonance, this event represents a minor change against the backdrop of the large number of natural marks on the lunar surface. David Rothery of Open University stated in New Scientist that impacts of this size are already part of the Moon's natural dynamics.

tecnoblog.netAugust 7, 20:01

Analysis of the best available Samsung smartwatches, including 2026 models

Choosing the best Samsung smartwatch fundamentally depends on the available budget and the user's specific needs. The standard Galaxy Watch line models offer well-balanced specifications in terms of connectivity and battery life, featuring advanced sensors.

For those who prioritize greater physical durability and battery autonomy, the Galaxy Watch Ultra line is the indicated option. Furthermore, the brand offers the Galaxy Fit, which stands out for its good cost-benefit ratio, although it presents more basic functionalities for physical activity monitoring.

Tecnoblog compiled a list with the seven best Samsung watches available in the Brazilian market, detailing the pros and cons of each device.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 was presented as Samsung's most sophisticated model in 2026. This watch incorporates the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, replacing the old Exynos W1000, which promises to elevate both performance and sensor accuracy. Compared to the 2024 Ultra, the battery capacity increased from 590 mAh to 800 mAh, providing up to 80 hours of use, as announced by Samsung. Visibility under sunlight was improved with the maximum brightness increasing from 3,000 nits to 5,000 nits. Additionally, the Watch Ultra 2 received IP69K certification, ensuring resistance to high-pressure water jets, a feature absent in the original model.

Galaxy Watch 9

The Galaxy Watch 9 also migrated to the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, abandoning the Exynos W1000 present in the Watch 8. In the 40 mm version, the battery grew from 325 mAh to 390 mAh, representing a 20% increase. In the 44 mm version, the advancement was more modest, going from 435 mAh to 445 mAh. The screen maintained the maximum brightness of 3,000 nits observed in the Watch 8, and storage remained at 32 GB.

In terms of health, the Watch 9 introduces two novel features compared to the Watch 8: Vital Signs, which integrates data on heart rate, oxygenation, skin temperature, and respiratory rate, and Heart Health Score. Overall, the most notable progress lies in the processor and battery of the 40 mm version, while the rest of the specifications remain very close to those of the Watch 8.

Galaxy Watch 8

The Galaxy Watch 8 shares characteristics with the Watch 9, including a personalized running coach, IP68 certification, military resistance, and support for over 100 types of activities. This watch is capable of measuring blood pressure, performing ECG, and checking antioxidant levels, using Galaxy AI for sleep analysis. The LTE connectivity variant allows for emergency calls independently of the phone in case of accidents or falls. The device also features integrated GPS, its own operating system for app downloads, and NFC technology.

A drawback of the device is the battery life, which is below that of the Watch Ultra, reaching approximately 30 hours when the Always-On Display feature is active.

Galaxy Watch Ultra

The Galaxy Watch Ultra, launched in 2024, is an advanced smartwatch equipped with dual-frequency integrated GPS (L1 + L5), allowing route tracking without needing the phone nearby. It also offers LTE connectivity for mobile data and artificial intelligence features. The device covers over 100 sports modes and includes health and safety features aimed at extreme activities. Its construction uses a titanium body, sapphire crystal screen protection, and up to 3,000 nits brightness for good visibility in direct sunlight. Although it is heavier and more robust than traditional models, which might bother some users, its battery lasts up to 100 hours, according to Samsung.

Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features the classic rotating bezel to facilitate navigation, operates with the 3 nm Exynos W1000 processor, and has 64 GB of storage. It performs measurements of heart rate, SpO2, ECG, and body temperature, and has IP68 certification for water and dust resistance. The LTE version allows for calls and mobile data usage, in addition to having NFC for payments. The device also integrates GPS and features a sapphire crystal screen with up to 3,000 nits brightness.

A disadvantage of this model is that it uses the same processor as the previous generation (Watch 7), unlike the Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2, which already incorporate the latest Qualcomm chip. Furthermore, it is available in only one case size and is heavier than the conventional model.

Galaxy Watch 7

The Galaxy Watch 7 is available in two sizes, 40 mm and 44 mm, and uses the same processor as the Watch 8 (3 nm Exynos W1000), with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage for apps and music. It has 5 ATM, IP68 certification, and MIL-STD-810H military standard resistance, along with various health and sleep sensors. The watch features integrated GPS, a sapphire crystal protected screen, and over 100 training modes. Despite these features, it has a maximum screen brightness of only 2,000 nits and a 300 mAh battery, placing it below the newer models.

Galaxy Fit 3

The Galaxy Fit 3 is positioned as an entry-level Samsung smartwatch/band, intended for consumers looking for a more affordable device. It offers sleep monitoring, heart rate, blood oxygen, and over 100 sports modes. Its structure ensures IP68 protection against dust and water, plus 5 ATM resistance for pool use, with a battery that lasts up to 13 days. However, this model does not have integrated GPS, relying on connection to the phone to record walks, nor does it have NFC or mobile data, being exclusive to Android systems.

When deciding which is most suitable, it is crucial to evaluate the usage profile, the desired investment, and the indispensable daily resources. When selecting the best Samsung smartwatch, it should be noted that the Galaxy Watch line offers proprietary operating systems, app support, integrated GPS, NFC, and advanced sensors, but with lower battery autonomy. On the other hand, the Galaxy Fit line consists of simpler devices focused on basic health and exercise tracking, without GPS or an app store, but with a battery that can last up to 13 days for a lower cost.

The Galaxy Fit 3 is considered Samsung's most economical smartwatch because it provides the essentials in health and sports monitoring, has an AMOLED screen, and a battery lasting up to 13 days at a more advantageous price than other models.

It is important to note that the Watch FE often has a price very close to the Galaxy Watch 7, which offers a more updated processor, renewed sensors, and a better overall cost-benefit.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 models are the most water-resistant, boasting 10 ATM resistance certification (up to 100 meters), making them the only ones recommended for high-speed and diving water sports.

All models in the Galaxy Watch line (including Watch FE, Watch 7, Watch 8, Watch 9, Classic, and Ultra) are compatible with NFC for payments via Google Wallet or Samsung Pay. The Galaxy Fit 3 line does not have this functionality.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra models support longer periods of continuous use. Thanks to the large battery capacity (ranging from 590 mAh to 800 mAh) and power-saving modes, they offer the greatest autonomy among the brand's full-featured smartwatches.

Samsung watches use the Wear OS system, compatible with Android smartphones from other manufacturers, but they do not work with iPhones (iOS). The Galaxy Fit 3 band operates with its own system, compatible only with Android.

The LTE version supports e-SIM, allowing calls, message replies, and GPS navigation without depending on the proximity of the phone. The Bluetooth version has integrated GPS to track routes without the smartphone, but requires a connection to the phone to load online maps, receive notifications, or make calls.

uza.uzAugust 7, 20:00

Abdullaev Abdubakir Hikmatillayevich defended doctoral dissertation in technical sciences

Abdullaev Abdubakir Hikmatillayevich successfully defended his dissertation, receiving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in technical sciences.

The topic of his dissertation was the mathematical modeling of the process of electromagnetic elastic vibration of a microelement in the form of a plate in a magnetic field.

olhardigital.com.brAugust 7, 19:17

New cosmic simulation reveals how galactic central components form and evolve

A recent simulation of a galaxy analogous to the Milky Way demonstrated how two elements located in the central areas of various galaxies can develop and evolve in an interconnected manner. This study was conducted by the SMUGGLE-Ring project and focused on the correlation between stellar nuclear disks and nuclear star clusters.

Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam conducted this work, which was published as a letter to the editor in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics in 2026. For this, they employed a high-resolution hydrodynamic simulation, tracking the evolution of a barred spiral galaxy similar to the Milky Way over four billion years.

The scientists discovered that the stellar bar structure functions as a system that transports gas to the central region, providing essential material for the birth of new stars. Furthermore, the model suggested that dark matter dynamics have an impact on the evolution of these structures, potentially modifying the trajectory of galactic nuclei.

For many years, astronomers studied nuclear star clusters and stellar nuclear disks separately, assuming they might have been created by distinct processes. Previous observations did not establish a clear link between their sizes and masses, leaving the question of their common origin open.

The new simulation changed this view by successfully replicating, within a single physical model, the emergence of these two central components. The result indicates that both can grow from the same supply of gas transported to the core by the galaxy's stellar bar.

According to the research, the accumulation of gas in the center triggers new periods of star formation. These cycles are affected by the energy return generated by stars reaching the end of their lives, releasing energy and creating shock waves that stimulate new stellar creations.

Over billions of years, this process resulted in the accumulation of hundreds of millions of solar masses in stars within the simulated central structures. The researchers emphasize that the great advantage of this model is enabling the visualization of phases that cannot be directly monitored in real galaxies, which are usually examined only at a specific moment of their existence.

The simulation also helped clarify why previous studies could not find an obvious connection between nuclear star clusters and stellar nuclear disks. The lack of a direct correlation does not necessarily imply that these systems have different origins.

The study suggests that the perceived differences may stem from the fact that both structures modify their proportions over time. During long periods of growth, their masses and sizes can gradually diverge, causing galaxies at different stages to appear to have cores formed by distinct mechanisms.

The research also adopted a more realistic representation of dark matter. Instead of treating it as a static background, the model included particles capable of following its dynamics, allowing the galactic bar to evolve naturally.

This treatment also revealed the existence of a region with lower dark matter density around the bar, a phenomenon called a 'dark void'. The study associates this characteristic with the interaction between stars and dark matter, driven by the bar's rotation.

Another important finding of the simulation was the arrival of an extremely massive star cluster at the center of the modeled galaxy. This cluster, with approximately thirty million solar masses, migrated towards the nucleus and merged with the existing nuclear star cluster.

This scenario is relevant because recent observations identified large clusters within the bar of the galaxy NGC 1365, some of which are considered potential candidates to migrate to the central region. According to the study, events of this nature can rapidly alter the mass and size of nuclear clusters.

The investigation concludes that such mergers make the evolution of galactic centers even more complex. Since there is a supermassive black hole within the nuclear star cluster of many galaxies, the changes caused by these events can leave marks on the mass of this object, expanding the understanding of the link between various galactic components.