Science Wrap: Neuralink ready for human trials, Bulgaria sky goes red, and no star collision for now

This week's science highlights span from the enigmatic red skies observed globally, including in India, to Elon Musk's Neuralink preparing for its inaugural human trial of the groundbreaking brain chip.

Ladakh sky turns red

In an unexpected celestial display, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Ladakh's Hanle and Merak captured rare red auroral activity on the night of November 5. 

• This phenomenon, known as Stable Auroral Red (SAR), painted the sky in vivid shades of red, a departure from the more common green and blue auroras. 

• The intensity peaked around 10.40 pm, visible towards the northern horizon from 10 pm to midnight. 
• Operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, the IAO used an all-sky camera to document this extraordinary event.
•  Merak, also capturing the display, faced partial obstruction from higher mountains.

• This SAR event, observed globally, marked a rare occurrence at lower latitudes, such as Ladakh at 33° North. 
• The event not only contributes to scientific research but also enhances Hanle's status as an astro-tourism hub.

Neuralink is ready for human trials

Elon Musk's Neuralink is gearing up for human trials in its brain-machine interface venture. Despite controversies, thousands are eager to join. 

• Neuralink aims to revolutionise human-computer interaction by implanting devices in the brain for seamless thought transmission to devices like laptops.

• Volunteers undergo a procedure where a robot implants a brain-to-tech translator. The project targets those under 40 with complete limb paralysis. 
• The goal is a wireless transfer of thoughts, turning individuals into human-machine hybrids.

• However, skepticism remains, with concerns about feasibility and ethical treatment of animal test subjects, particularly monkeys.

Scientists rule out star collision 

Astronomers recently announced a reassuring update on the trajectory of the white dwarf star WD 0810-353. 

• Initial concerns were based on Gaia space telescope predictions, suggesting a potential collision with our Solar System in 29,000 years. 
• However, recent observations using the VLT's FORS2 instrument revealed a strong magnetic field around WD 0810-353. 

• This discovery allowed researchers to accurately model its path and velocity, showing that it is not on a collision course with our Sun. 
• This news is being considered as a relief, as such an encounter could have had catastrophic consequences, potentially disturbing the delicate balance of the Oort cloud and sending comets towards Earth.

Bulgaria skies bleed red

For the first time, the northern lights, or aurora borealis, illuminated the skies over Bulgaria on Sunday evening, creating a spectacular display that quickly spread across the country, as reported by Meteo Balkans.

• Social media buzzed with viral pictures and videos capturing the breathtaking red aurora, with some describing the scenes as "apocalyptic" and "spooky". 

• The phenomenon was not limited to Bulgaria, as the northern lights were also witnessed in

1. Romania, 
2. Hungary, 
3. the Czech Republic, 
4. Ukraine,
5. Poland, 
6. Slovakia, and 
7. the United Kingdom

These mesmerising celestial events, sparked by disturbances in Earth's magnetic field during geomagnetic storms, continue to captivate humanity across the globe.