De Golfstroom brengt warm water vanuit de tropen via de Amerikaanse oostkust richting Europa.  © KNMI

Temperatuurverandering na 100 jaar na het ineenstorten van de AMOC, links voor februari, rechts voor iedere maand in vijf steden aangegeven met de rode stip links.  © Universiteit Utrecht, van Westen et al., 2024, Science Advances en KNMI

De verhoogde instroom van zoet water door het smelten van onder andere ijs op Groenland zorgt ervoor dat de AMOC verzwakt.  © KNMI

{ https://www.hln.be/weer-en-wetenschap/ }

Ancient face here before humans existed, UFO UAP sighting news 👽 proof aliens own Earth 🌎

Date of discovery: Aug 2025

Location of discovery: West Kalimantan, Indonesia, on the island of Borneo

Coordinates: 0°50’13”N 108°53’04”E 

 

The island of Borneo has a history...one of the earliest human settlements discovered there that dates more than 40,000 years ago. However this face is much older than that, it goes back hundreds of thousands of years ago. A face made before humans existed…which leave only one option…ancient aliens.

Scott C. Waring - UFO Sightings Daily 

 

{ https://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/ }

Mystery fighter jet crash in ocean off Gaza, UFO UAP sighting news. 📰 Shot Down by UFO!

Date of discovery: Aug 2025

Location of discovery: Gaza Coast

Coordinates: 31°29'56"N 34º24'32"E

 

Just a few months ago, the US gov labeled UFOs flying over every US military base and several states over the east coast as drones...but they were really UFOs. Well it appears that a fighter jet in Gaza has encountered such a drone and may have tried to shoot it down, leading to this wreckage in the ocean. UFOs are everywhere, no more in one country than any other. They love aircraft since most contain the most up to date technology...and knowledge of human tech can help aliens predict what stage of development is coming next, what threats are coming next, what life is expected to be on Earth. It looks like the UFOs visiting New Jersey USA are now buzzing around Gaza. 

Scott C. Waring - UFO Sightings Daily£

 

{ https://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/ }

UFOs and Aliens: As a Scientist, I Believe in Both, But Here’s Where I Draw the Line

The province of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia has attracted the attention of the global astronomical community. A photograph of the night sky above this region was selected by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as its “Astronomy Picture of the Day.” All because the astrophotographer managed to capture a bright green meteor against the backdrop of the Pleiades star cluster. The photograph, taken with a one-hour exposure, is not only visually stunning, but also confirms Al-Ula’s status as one of the most attractive places on the planet for stargazing.

“Meteor and Star Cluster.” Authors: Yousif Alqasimi & Essa Al Jasmi / NASA

Perfect sky for astronomy

Why Al-Ula? The answer lies in the region’s crystal clear, dark skies. Thanks to the almost complete absence of light pollution, it is rated among the top 5% of places in the world for astronomical observations. This unique status was officially confirmed by DarkSky International, which awarded the prestigious Dark Sky certificate to two sites in the province: the ancient archaeological complex of Hegra, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gharameel Nature Reserve. This makes Makkah Region the destination for astrophotographers and stargazers from around the world.

The Pleiades in a Hubble Space Telescope image

The author named the photograph “The Meteor and the Star Cluster.” For the first time in history, NASA has highlighted the work carried out in Al-Ula. This achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts of Manarat AlUla, an organization that is working hard to ensure a night sky free of light pollution and to develop the region as a global center for space research and astro-tourism. NASA’s choice highlights not only the incredible beauty of this corner of Saudi Arabia for those who seek to glimpse the deepest secrets of the universe.

• According to nasa.gov

• Posted in News, Science

{ https://universemagazine.com/en/articles-en/ }

Interdimensional Beings of Pure Light and Energy – The Potential Truth Behind the Alien Mysteries

Abstract

The phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and claims of encounters with extraterrestrial beings have persisted across cultures and centuries. Traditional explanations have centered on extraterrestrial origin within our three-dimensional universe; however, recent developments in physics suggest the possible existence of higher dimensions and interdimensional entities. This dissertation explores the hypothesis that some reported encounters with "aliens" may, in fact, be interactions with beings existing outside our conventional spacetime, composed of light and energy, and operating within interdimensional realms. Drawing from quantum physics, string theory, and consciousness studies, this work aims to evaluate the scientific plausibility of such entities and their potential role in the broader understanding of UFO phenomena.

Introduction

The enigma of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and alleged extraterrestrial encounters has captivated human imagination for centuries. From ancient cave paintings and folklore to modern-day conspiracy theories, the belief that some visitors from beyond our planet—or even beyond our known universe—may be visiting Earth endures. These phenomena have sparked curiosity, fear, and speculation across cultures and generations. Conventional scientific approaches have largely attributed UFO sightings to atmospheric phenomena, psychological factors, or technological anomalies, such as misidentifications of natural objects, optical illusions, or experimental aircraft. Despite these explanations, numerous reports continue to challenge these rationalizations, describing encounters with beings that are luminous, energy-based, and capable of defying known physical laws.

Over the years, witnesses and researchers have documented sightings of entities that seem to lack physical solidity, instead appearing as glowing lights or energy forms that can move instantaneously or through seemingly impossible means. These descriptions often conflict with conventional understanding of matter and physics, prompting many to seek alternative explanations. Recent advances in physics, particularly in the realms of higher-dimensional theories, quantum mechanics, and the nature of consciousness, have opened intriguing new avenues for interpreting these phenomena. Some scientists and theorists propose that these entities could be manifestations of beings existing outside our familiar four-dimensional spacetime, perhaps in higher dimensions or as pure energy forms.

The concept of interdimensional beings—entities existing in dimensions beyond human perception—provides a compelling framework that aligns with many of the anomalous reports associated with UFO encounters. Such beings could potentially appear as luminous, energy-based entities that can traverse space and time in ways that defy our understanding of physics. This dissertation aims to explore whether these beings could be interpreted as higher-dimensional entities, composed of pure light and energy, capable of manifesting in our dimension under certain conditions. By examining scientific theories and evidence, this study seeks to evaluate the plausibility of these interpretations and contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding UFO phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial or interdimensional life.

Theoretical Foundations

1. Higher Dimensions in Physics
   The concept of extra dimensions has a long-standing history in physics, dating back to the early 20th century with the pioneering work of Theodor Kaluza and Oskar Klein. Their aim was to unify gravity and electromagnetism by proposing an additional spatial dimension beyond the familiar three. In modern physics, this idea has evolved significantly, especially within the framework of string theory and M-theory. These theories suggest that our universe may contain up to 11 dimensions—comprising the familiar four (three spatial dimensions plus time) and several additional compactified dimensions that are curled up at scales too small to detect directly. These extra dimensions are thought to be compactified into complex shapes such as Calabi-Yau manifolds, rendering them imperceptible at our macroscopic scale. Nonetheless, their existence could have profound implications for understanding the fundamental forces and particles. Theories involving higher dimensions also imply that phenomena outside our perceptual capacity—such as interdimensional beings or entities—could exist and possibly influence our universe in subtle ways. These beings might interact with us through phenomena that are currently considered anomalous or unexplained by conventional physics, hinting at a reality richer and more complex than our immediate perception.

2. Quantum Mechanics and Nonlocality
   Quantum mechanics introduces a radically different perspective on the nature of reality, particularly through the phenomenon of nonlocality. Quantum entanglement, where particles become correlated such that the state of one instantly influences the state of another regardless of the distance separating them, challenges classical notions of locality and causality. Some interpret entanglement as evidence of an underlying interconnectedness that transcends the limitations of spacetime as described by classical physics. This interconnectedness could imply the existence of hidden dimensions or a deeper level of reality where information and influence can travel instantaneously. Such perspectives open the possibility that interactions with entities existing in higher or alternate dimensions might be facilitated through nonlocal quantum processes. If entangled particles can influence each other across vast distances instantaneously, then perhaps consciousness or other phenomena could similarly operate across higher-dimensional realms, enabling contact or interaction with beings that exist outside our conventional understanding of space and time.

3. Consciousness and the Observer Effect
   The role of consciousness in shaping reality is a topic of ongoing debate and investigation. Certain interpretations of quantum mechanics suggest that observation or awareness plays a fundamental role in the manifestation of physical phenomena—a concept often referred to as the observer effect. Some hypotheses propose that consciousness itself could serve as a bridge between different dimensions, enabling interaction with entities or realms beyond our physical universe. This idea is supported by anecdotal reports of luminous, energy-based beings, such as spirits or interdimensional entities, which some believe are manifestations of consciousness operating across dimensional boundaries. These reports often describe entities that appear to be composed of pure energy or light, and they seem to interact with individuals in ways that defy conventional physical explanations. Such phenomena could reflect the influence of consciousness extending beyond traditional physical limits, potentially opening portals or gateways to higher or alternate dimensions. While these ideas remain speculative and are not yet scientifically validated, they suggest intriguing possibilities about the interconnectedness of consciousness and the fabric of reality itself.

In summary, the theoretical frameworks involving higher dimensions, quantum nonlocality, and consciousness provide a multifaceted foundation for exploring the existence and interaction with interdimensional entities. While these ideas are still largely speculative and require further scientific validation, they open fascinating avenues for understanding the deeper nature of reality and the potential for entities that exist beyond our immediate perceptual horizon.

Empirical Evidence and Reports of Interdimensional Entities

1. UFO Encounters and Luminous Entities
   Many credible witnesses across different regions and backgrounds have reported encounters with beings that are described as luminous or radiant. These entities often manifest as pure light, energy forms, or glowing apparitions that defy conventional understanding. Witnesses frequently describe these luminous entities as appearing suddenly, sometimes materializing out of thin air, and disappearing just as swiftly. Their behaviors include levitation, non-material presence, and movements that appear to transcend physical laws, such as instantaneous travel or hovering without any visible means of support. Some reports also mention interactions where these entities seem to communicate through light patterns or electromagnetic signals, further complicating their classification within known biological or technological frameworks. The consistency of such reports from diverse sources lends credibility to their authenticity, prompting researchers to consider the possibility that these luminous beings are manifestations from an interdimensional realm or a higher vibrational plane.

2. Historical and Cultural Parallels
   Throughout history, numerous cultures and religions have documented encounters with beings of pure light. For example, angels in Judeo-Christian traditions, devas in Eastern philosophies, and spirits in indigenous cultures often share visual and behavioral similarities with modern reports of energy-based entities. These historical accounts describe luminous beings that serve as messengers, guides, or divine entities, reinforcing the idea that such phenomena are not merely modern inventions but are rooted in a universal archetype. The recurring theme of radiant, non-material entities across different eras and civilizations suggests that these experiences could be reflections of a reality that extends beyond the physical universe. Many researchers propose that these entities might be interdimensional travelers or entities existing in a realm parallel to our own, accessible under certain conditions or through specific states of consciousness.

3. Photographic and Video Evidence
   While photographic and video documentation of luminous entities is often met with skepticism, some instances challenge conventional explanations. Certain images and recordings display entities emitting bright light or energy fields that appear to interact with their environment in ways inconsistent with known technology or biological beings. Advanced analysis tools, such as spectral analysis and digital forensics, sometimes reveal that these luminous figures lack a solid physical structure, indicating their non-material or energetic nature. In some cases, the entities seem to manipulate electromagnetic fields or produce anomalous light phenomena that cannot be easily replicated by human technology. Although definitive proof remains elusive, such visual evidence continues to intrigue researchers and enthusiasts alike, fueling debates about the true nature of these luminous beings and their possible interdimensional origins.

In conclusion, the collective empirical reports, historical parallels, and visual evidence all suggest that luminous, energy-based entities are a real phenomenon that warrants further scientific investigation. Whether these beings are interdimensional travelers, spiritual entities, or manifestations of higher consciousness, their existence challenges our current understanding of reality and opens new avenues for exploring the nature of existence beyond the physical realm.

Scientific Plausibility of Interdimensional Beings

1. Light and Energy as Fundamental Components

According to electromagnetic theory, light is a fundamental form of energy that exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, the latter in the form of photons. Photons are massless particles that travel at the speed of light, and they serve as the basic quanta of electromagnetic radiation. If entities exist purely as energy or light, they could, in theory, bypass many of the physical limitations that constrain matter. Such entities would not be bound by the same physical laws as solid objects, such as friction or matter resistance, which could explain reports of rapid, non-material movement. These beings might manifest as luminous apparitions or flashes of light, consistent with descriptions of spirits or interdimensional visitors in various cultural narratives. The concept of light-based entities aligns with certain interpretations of quantum field theory, which postulates that energy fields permeate all space and could, under specific conditions, give rise to localized phenomena that appear as conscious entities. Moreover, if these beings are composed of energy that can interact with electromagnetic fields, they could potentially influence or be influenced by electromagnetic signals, opening pathways for scientific investigation into their existence.

2. Interdimensional Travel and Interaction

Theoretical physics offers intriguing possibilities for the existence of higher dimensions beyond our familiar three-dimensional space and one dimension of time. String theory, for example, posits that additional spatial dimensions—possibly up to eleven—could exist but are compactified or hidden at scales beyond our current observational capabilities. If beings inhabit these higher dimensions, their interactions with our universe could occur via phenomena such as wormholes—hypothetical tunnels through spacetime that connect distant points or different dimensions—or through quantum tunneling, where particles or entities bypass energy barriers due to quantum effects. Such interactions might produce observable effects that appear inexplicable within our current understanding of physics, such as sudden appearances or disappearances, or luminous phenomena that defy conventional explanation. These higher-dimensional entities could influence our reality indirectly, perhaps by modulating electromagnetic or gravitational fields, resulting in phenomena that are perceived as ghostly or interdimensional encounters. Scientific models exploring these interactions suggest that if such beings exist, their modes of travel and communication would be vastly different from our conventional understanding, involving complex geometries of spacetime and quantum mechanics.

3. Limitations and Challenges

Despite the intriguing theoretical frameworks supporting the possibility of interdimensional beings, empirical evidence remains elusive. Current scientific methods lack the technological capacity to detect or measure entities that may exist in higher dimensions or as pure energy forms outside our observable universe. Many phenomena attributed to interdimensional or spiritual entities could have alternative explanations rooted in psychology, such as hallucinations, sleep paralysis, or cognitive biases. Others might stem from undiscovered physical processes, including unknown particles or forces that could explain luminous phenomena. Additionally, the subjective nature of many reports complicates scientific validation; eyewitness accounts are prone to errors, misinterpretations, and cultural influences. The challenge lies in developing experimental methodologies capable of testing hypotheses about higher dimensions or energy-based beings, which often operate outside the scope of current physics. Moreover, the lack of reproducible, measurable evidence makes it difficult to establish scientific consensus on the existence of interdimensional entities. Consequently, while theoretical physics provides a plausible foundation for their existence, the scientific community remains cautious, emphasizing the need for rigorous evidence before accepting such extraordinary claims into the realm of validated scientific knowledge.

In summary, the scientific plausibility of interdimensional beings hinges on the understanding of light, energy, and higher-dimensional physics. While current theories suggest that such entities could, in principle, exist and manifest through luminous phenomena or non-material movement, substantial empirical evidence is still lacking. Advances in physics and technology may, in the future, shed light on these mysterious phenomena, but for now, they remain within the realm of theoretical possibility and scientific curiosity.

Implications for Ufology and Scientific Inquiry

1. Reconceptualizing UFO Phenomena

Traditionally, UFO encounters have been viewed through the lens of extraterrestrial visitation—alien crafts arriving from distant planets within our universe. However, emerging theories suggest that some UFO phenomena might involve interdimensional entities, which fundamentally shifts our understanding of these encounters. If certain UFO sightings and experiences are indeed manifestations of beings from other dimensions or realities beyond our familiar universe, then the paradigm must expand from a purely extraterrestrial framework to encompass a multiversal perspective. This broader outlook invites a reevaluation of the nature of reality itself, suggesting that our universe may be just one of many interconnected dimensions or realms.

This reconceptualization has profound implications for ufology, prompting researchers to consider alternative explanations for phenomena that do not fit conventional models. It encourages multidisciplinary research integrating physics—particularly theories related to higher dimensions and multiverses—along with consciousness studies, to explore how these entities might interact with our reality. Anthropology and cultural studies can also offer insights into how different societies interpret and mythologize such encounters, potentially uncovering shared symbolic frameworks or collective subconscious influences. Embracing a multidimensional perspective necessitates an openness to novel hypotheses, rigorous investigation, and the development of new methodologies capable of detecting or measuring interdimensional phenomena.

2. Potential for New Physics

Investigating the existence and nature of interdimensional beings could revolutionize our understanding of fundamental physics. Currently, our models of spacetime are grounded in Einstein's theory of general relativity, which describes gravity and the fabric of our universe. However, the existence of entities operating across different dimensions might require modifications or extensions to these theories. For example, understanding how such beings might traverse or communicate across dimensions could shed light on the nature of consciousness, energy, and spacetime itself.

This line of inquiry could lead to groundbreaking technological advancements. If we could unlock the mechanisms enabling interdimensional travel or communication, it might pave the way for revolutionary technologies—such as devices capable of detecting or even interacting with higher-dimensional realms. Such breakthroughs could have profound implications not only for scientific research but also for practical applications in communication, transportation, and information transfer. Moreover, exploring these phenomena may challenge and expand our current understanding of the laws of physics, potentially leading to the discovery of new particles, forces, or principles that govern the multiversal structure.

3. Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the intriguing possibilities, scientific skepticism remains a crucial component in the investigation of interdimensional UFO phenomena. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and currently, the evidence for interdimensional entities remains largely anecdotal or based on unverified reports. Developing rigorous, reproducible experiments is essential to move beyond speculation and establish empirical foundations for these phenomena.

Technological advancements will play a pivotal role in future research. Instruments capable of detecting subtle anomalies in spacetime, electromagnetic fields, or consciousness states could provide valuable data. For instance, advancements in quantum sensing, high-energy physics, and neurotechnology might enable scientists to observe phenomena indicative of interdimensional interactions.

Collaboration across disciplines is necessary to approach these complex issues comprehensively. Physicists, psychologists, neuroscientists, and anthropologists must work together to interpret data, design experiments, and develop theories. Psychological and cultural factors should also be considered, as human perception and cultural narratives can influence accounts of UFO encounters. Addressing biases and ensuring scientific rigor will help distinguish genuine phenomena from illusions or misinterpretations.

Looking ahead, the path forward involves a combination of open-minded inquiry and stringent scientific methodology. Building international research initiatives, sharing data openly, and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue are crucial steps. As our technological capabilities grow, so too will our capacity to test hypotheses related to interdimensionality. Ultimately, embracing the possibility that UFO phenomena might involve entities beyond our current understanding could catalyze a new era of scientific discovery—one that challenges and potentially transforms our comprehension of the universe and our place within it.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that some alien encounters are interactions with interdimensional beings composed of pure light and energy presents a compelling, if speculative, avenue for scientific exploration. While current empirical evidence remains limited and often ambiguous, this perspective aligns with emerging theories in physics, consciousness studies, and historical accounts of extraordinary experiences. The idea that these entities could originate from higher dimensions or alternate realities challenges traditional notions of extraterrestrial life confined to physical, three-dimensional space. Instead, it suggests that consciousness and energy might play a fundamental role in bridging different planes of existence.

Recent developments in quantum physics, such as the multiverse theory and the concept of parallel dimensions, provide a scientific basis for hypothesizing the existence of entities beyond our perceptual limitations (Kaku, 2014). Furthermore, research into altered states of consciousness, including near-death experiences and mystical encounters, often describes interactions with luminous beings or entities that resemble interdimensional visitors (Greyson, 2000). These accounts, although subjective, are supported by neurological and psychological studies indicating that consciousness may extend beyond physical brain processes (Tart, 2009).

Additionally, historical and cultural records worldwide describe encounters with luminous, energy-based beings, suggesting a perennial human recognition of non-material entities (Lévi-Strauss, 1963). Modern sightings and abduction reports often include descriptions of entities made of light or energy, which could be indicative of interactions with interdimensional phenomena (Hynek, 1972). From a scientific perspective, the interface between consciousness, energy, and higher dimensions warrants further exploration using interdisciplinary approaches, including physics, neuroscience, and anthropology.

Embracing this broader understanding could revolutionize our comprehension of the universe, consciousness, and the fundamental nature of reality itself. It opens new pathways for research into the fabric of existence, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries that transcend traditional scientific boundaries. While speculative, this hypothesis invites a paradigm shift that could ultimately unify various fields of knowledge, expanding our understanding of what it means to be conscious and connected within a vast, multidimensional cosmos.

ELEMENTS OF STUDY:

1. The integration of physics and consciousness studies offers promising avenues for understanding unidentified phenomena.
2. Quantum theories support the existence of multiple dimensions that could host interdimensional beings.
3. Historical accounts provide valuable qualitative data that can guide scientific hypotheses.
4. The nature of light and energy is central to understanding these proposed beings.
5. Cultural stories reflect a universal human tendency to interpret luminous encounters.
6. Advances in neurophysics suggest consciousness may operate beyond physical confines.
7. Empirical evidence remains limited, highlighting the need for innovative research methods.
8. Interdisciplinary collaboration can bridge gaps between science and experiential reports.
9. Revisiting traditional scientific paradigms may be necessary to accommodate these phenomena.
10. Recognizing the potential reality of interdimensional beings could have profound philosophical implications.
11. The pursuit of this research aligns with humanity’s innate curiosity about the universe.
12. Ultimately, expanding our scientific frameworks could unlock new dimensions of understanding about existence itself.

References:

1. Greyson, B. (2000). Near-death experiences. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn, & S. J. Krippner (Eds.), Varieties of Anomalous Experience: Examining the Scientific Evidence (pp. 315-352). American Psychological Association.
2. Hynek, J. A. (1972). The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry. Henry Regnery Company.
3. Kaku, M. (2014). The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Expand Our Consciousness. Doubleday.
4. Lévi-Strauss, C. (1963). Structural Anthropology. Basic Books.
5. Tart, C. T. (2009). The End of Materialism: How Evidence of the Paranormal Is Bringing Science and Spirit Together. New Harbinger Publications.

{ PETER2011 }

Onschatbaar onderzoek begint eindelijk antwoorden te onthullen over het mysterie van een oude schedel

(Afbeelding: Wikimedia Commons/ Nadina)

Al in de jaren 60 ontdekten wetenschappers per toeval een vrijwel complete schedel in een grot in Griekenland. Sindsdien is het ding een groot mysterie. Maar eindelijk is er meer duidelijk over de leeftijd ervan.

Op twee vlakken stelt de schedel, die gevonden is in de Petralonagrot, wetenschappers voor een raadsel. Ten eerste: met wat voor mensachtige hebben we hier te maken? Het fossiel verschilt behoorlijk van zowel neanderthalers als moderne mensen. Ten tweede was tot op de dag van vandaag onbekend hoe oud de schedel is. Eerdere schattingen liepen uiteen van ongeveer 170.000 tot 700.000 jaar.

Maar over dat laatste is nu meer duidelijk geworden door middel van nieuwe zogenoemde U-serie-dateringen, die zijn uitgevoerd op het calciet dat op de schedel groeide. Daaruit blijkt dat het hoofd minimaal 286.000 jaar oud is.

Wat is U-serie-datering?
De U-serie-datering maakt gebruik van de natuurlijke eigenschappen van uraniumisotopen. Uranium vervalt met een vaste halfwaardetijd tot thorium. Door de verhouding tussen uranium en thorium te meten, kun je berekenen wanneer dit proces begon en zo een nauwkeurige datum vaststellen.

In bodemlagen worden voortdurend uraniumisotopen afgezet door omgevingsfactoren, waardoor de U-seriemethode daar niet bruikbaar is: de grond bevat immers een mengsel van isotopen die allemaal hun eigen ‘klok’ hebben.

Dit gesteente is bedekt met jongere lagen, waarvan de jongste gedateerd is op 228.000 jaar. Foto: Journal of Human Evolution

De omstandigheden in een grot
Maar in een grot verandert dat. Vocht dat door de bodem sijpelt, neemt wateroplosbare mineralen, waaronder uranium, mee, maar laat het thorium achter. Wanneer dit vocht zich ophoopt op een grotmuur en verdampt, blijven sporen van mineralen en uraniumisotopen achter zonder thorium. Zo vormt zich een korstachtige afzetting. Binnen die afzetting vervalt uranium verder tot thorium, maar nu in een afgesloten systeem. Elke laag krijgt daarmee een eigen startpunt dat exact te dateren is.

U-serie-datering analyseert vervolgens de uranium-thoriumverhoudingen in de binnenste lagen om vast te stellen wanneer die voor het eerst gevormd zijn. Dit levert een minimale leeftijd op voor alles wat eronder ligt.

Calciet
Voor het onderzoek zijn monsters genomen van de calcietlaag die de schedel bedekte, maar ook van stalagmieten, stalactieten en calcietafzettingen in verschillende delen van de grot: de Mausoleumkamer, waar de schedel naar verluidt aan een wand vastzat, de gang ernaartoe en andere secties. Calciet is een mineraal dat voornamelijk uit het zout calciumcarbonaat bestaat. Het is een van de meest voorkomende mineralen in de aardkorst.

De resultaten van de metingen van de calcietkorst op de schedel geven een minimale leeftijd van 286.000 ± 9.000 jaar. Als de schedel aanvankelijk droog of afgedekt bleef, kan hij nog veel langer in de grot hebben gelegen, want de methode kan alleen dateren vanaf het moment dat calciet begon te vormen door blootstelling aan vocht en verdamping. Voor een maximumleeftijd wordt gekeken naar de ouderdom van andere grotelementen.

Primitieve groep
Dateringen van de stalagmietlaag in de Mausoleumkamer leverden een leeftijd op van 510.000 ± 29.000 jaar bovenaan en een minimum van 650.000 jaar van binnen, wat aangeeft dat de bedekking van de schedel veel later begon dan de vorming van de grot zelf.

Op basis van hun bevindingen concluderen de onderzoekers nog iets anders interessants: de mensachtige in de Petralonagrot was geen Homo sapiens en ook geen neanderthaler. Hij maakte deel uit van een aparte, primitievere groep. Het idee dat er nog een andere mensachtige zich in die tijd in Europa ontwikkelde naast de neanderthalerlijn is niet nieuw. De nieuwe resultaten zijn hier een bevestiging van.

De Petralonagrot
De Petralonagrotten zijn een grote bezienswaardigheid in Griekenland. Ze zijn te vinden op schiereiland Chalkidiki, zo’n 50 kilometer van Thessaloniki. Het enorme complex is in 1959 per toeval ontdekt. En wat een vondst: het hele gebied is zo’n 10.000 m2 groot. Op 300 meter hoogte vind je specifiek de Petralonagrot, waar met de Petralonaschedel de oudste menselijke resten van Griekenland zijn gevonden.

Bronmateriaal

• "New U-series dates on the Petralona cranium, a key fossil in European human evolution" - Journal of Human Evolution
• Afbeelding bovenaan dit artikel: Journal of Human Evolution

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Astronomers are racing to study our solar system's newest 'interstellar visitor.' Here's why.

Related: 

• Watch newly discovered 'interstellar visitor' 3I/ATLAS shoot toward us in first livestream

Experts say studying 3I/ATLAS could potentially tell us about alien star systems and how exoplanets form — and we may even be able to trace it back to its origins.

Initial discovery

3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1 from data collected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) and immediately piqued researchers' interests due to its trajectory and extreme speed, which exceeds 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h). Within 24 hours of its discovery, NASA had confirmed that it was an interstellar object.

A day later (July 3), a group of more than 40 astronomers, led by Seligman, had uploaded the first paper describing the extrasolar entity to the preprint database arXiv. All data so far indicates that 3I/ATLAS is a large comet surrounded by a cloud of ice, dust and gas up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) across.

Prior to this discovery, only two other interstellar objects (ISOs) had been spotted: 1I/'Oumuamua, a space rock that was discovered in 2017; and 2I/Borisov, a comet spotted in 2019. This makes the newly discovered comet particularly appealing to astronomers.

However, there is a limited window to study 3I/ATLAS. The comet, which is currently around 4.5 times farther from the sun than Earth, will reach its closest point to the sun, or perihelion, on Oct. 30, before beginning its journey out of the solar system, when it will get much harder to spot. It will also be out of view between late September and early December, when it is positioned on the opposite side of the sun to Earth.

Observing an interstellar visitor

Over the next few weeks and months, researchers will attempt to use "any and all telescopes" they can to make observations of 3I/ATLAS, Sean Raymond, a planetary scientist at the University of Bordeaux in France, told Live Science in an email.

This will be especially true for observatories in the Southern Hemisphere, which will have a better view of the increasingly bright comet, Aster Taylor, a graduate student at the University of Michigan and co-author of the arXiv study, told Live Science in an email.

Experts are particularly excited about the possibility of imaging 3I/ATLAS with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory — the world's most powerful optical telescope, which recently released its first images. The observatory, located in Chile, has already proved to be adept at imaging never-before-seen asteroids and will undoubtedly target the interstellar comet when it comes fully online in a few months time.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble Space Telescope, meanwhile, could help reveal the interloper's chemical composition because of their ability to study the object in multiple wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum Pedro Bernardinelli, a planetary scientist at the University of Washington's DiRAC Institute, told Live Science in an email.

Some researchers have also proposed using NASA's Mars rovers to snap pictures of the comet as it makes a close pass by the Red Planet a few weeks before it reaches perihelion. The robots have previously been used to spy on dangerous sunspots lurking on the sun's far side from Earth.

Another intriguing option is to send a spacecraft to collect samples from 3I/ATLAS. However, the general consensus among experts is that such a mission is unlikely to happen

Alien star systems

Studying 3I/ATLAS provides a rare opportunity for us to glean insights into alien star systems and potential exoplanets.

"Interstellar objects are probably the leftovers of the formation of exoplanets," Raymond said. "Studying them can open a window into understanding other planetary systems' formation and evolution."

In this way, ISOs like 3I/ATLAS also "connects the solar system with its galactic environment," Amir Siraj, a doctoral candidate at Princeton University who has previously studied ISOs, told Live Science.

While it is still unclear where 3I/ATLAS came from, it's possible we can pinpoint its origins, especially if researchers can work out how old it is, Wes Fraser, an astronomer with National Research Council Canada, told Live Science in an email. And as the comet reaches perihelion, the amount of ice and other "volatile" substances that get burned off the interloper will help us narrow this down, Fraser added.

However, even then "we probably won't ever be able to pin it down to a single star system," Taylor argued.

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