India's Sun Mission

By Annalisa Zolotas [‘27]

On August 23rd 2023 India successfully landed on the moon. This was an amazing feat that India accomplished, and they have already launched their next solar mission. On September 2nd, India sent a spacecraft to research the sun. Adding to the mission's greatness, they only spent 55 million USD to build the spacecraft, which is 300 million less than what the United States spent going to the moon in 1969. The satellite is currently estimated to be 1.5 million kilometers away from earth. This is about one-percent of its journey, so it still has a significant a way to go. 

The satellite will need to travel 148.5 million kilometers before it is close enough to the sun. The satellite is expected to reach this point by January of 2024. Through this mission, India  hopes to answer solar related questions. For example, the country launched the satellite so that they could find out how solar availability affects the climate on Earth. This mission will help the entire world further understand the planet that our solar system revolves around. 

Releasing Radioactive Water

By Justine Papaleo [‘27]

Japanese workers have begun releasing radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The power plant was destroyed in 2011 during the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and unfortunately, the water has been increasing since.

   Around an hour after the Tōhoku earthquake and Tsunami, several reactors melted down at the nuclear power plant. In the attempt to prevent any future damage, the workers flooded the reactors with water, which quickly became highly contaminated. The plant is currently offline and reactors are now disused but still need to be left to cool, which is why the waste water continues to multiply. In the years following the accident, groundwater has filtered into the site leading even more water to become contaminated.

  Managing all of the radioactive waste has proven a huge technical challenge for Japan's government. Currently about 350 million gallons are being stored in more than 1,000 tanks on site. According to Japan’s government, the tanks are nearing max capacity, which is why the water needs to be distributed.

  Although the government has been working on an advanced filtration system to remove most of the “radioactive isotopes” from the water known as ALPS or the Advanced Liquid Processing System,they are finding it very difficult to create a system that works effectively. Unfortunately, the isotope that is infecting the water at the Fukushima power plant is called tritium, a rare radioactive isotope of hydrogen.  The hydrogen is a part of the water; therefore, it is impossible for it to be filtered out.

  However, they have to start acting now before things get even worse, so the first release of 7,800 tons of treated water is expected to take 17 days. Japanese fisheries have agreed to keep track of the radioactive levels in the ocean and IAEA has also made the same agreement.

   By weakening the toxic water with salt water to lessen the tritium levels, the Japanese government will be completing the first step in their plan.

Devastating Wildfires Hit Maui

By Karolina Mroczek [‘26]

In August 2023, a series of bush fires broke out in Hawaii, greatly devastating the island of Maui. Although this catastrophe occurred a few months ago, its presence is still with residents, who are slowly returning to a “normal” life. The most devastating fires occurred in Lahaina, a densely populated community on the coast of Maui. There are several debates as to what specifically caused the fire, but many believe that a dry climate or fallen active power lines were to blame. Effects of the wildfire were drastic; much of Lahaina is in ruins including a portion of its historical sites.

In addition, thousands of residents have fled the area and are temporarily staying in hotels and Airbnbs. Lahaina businesses and schools shut down as the community burned. A small portion of the original population returned  to Lahaina only to find it covered in ashes. Buildings aren’t the only things that were marred; over a hundred people lost their lives in the wildfires, and many others were injured. The damage is estimated to be over 5.5 billion. It may take years for Maui to recover from the severe destruction, and it may take more for survivors to recover mentally. The government has already taken action by relying on the National Guard for assistance, and a few countries have donated to help the cause as well.

These were the deadliest, most destructive fires in Hawaii's history. One can only hope that a similar catastrophe will not occur again and that Maui restores all damage with haste.