Nasa has confirmed that there are over 5,000 exoplanets beyond our solar system.
The exoplanet census surpassed this milestone with a new batch of 65 confirmed exoplanets, triggering excitement across the globe.
“It’s not just a number,” Exoplanet Archive science lead Jessie Christiansen said in a statement as reported by CNET.
“Each one of them is a new world, a brand new planet. I get excited about every one because we don’t know anything about them.”
It’s been 30 years since scientists discovered the first planets orbiting another star. Today, exoplanets are so common that astronomers expect most stars host at least one, astronomer Aurora Kesseli of Caltech was quoted as saying by Science News.
“One of the most exciting things that I think has happened in the last 30 years is that we’ve really started to be able to fill out the diversity of exoplanets,” Kesseli added.
Some exoplanets look like Jupiter or Earth. The 5,005 confirmed exoplanets include nearly 1,500 giant gassy planets, roughly 200 that are small and rocky and almost 1,600 “super-Earths,” which are larger than our solar system’s rocky planets and smaller than Neptune, according to Science News.
While discovering these exoplanets, scientists try to find out if they are habitable or not. James Webb Space Telescope is working to go beyond the diameters, masses and densities of these planets. It will gather information about their atmospheres.
NASA’s newest exoplanet hunter, the TESS mission, has confirmed more than 200 planets, with thousands more yet to verify, Kesseli pointed out. “There’s tons of exoplanets out there,” Kesseli said, “and even more waiting to be discovered”.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies across the UAE to reinforce workplace safety measures and take preventive steps to protect employees during expected adverse weather conditions.
In a statement, the ministry emphasised that worker health and safety remain a top priority, particularly at outdoor worksites where operations may be affected during severe weather.
Flexible or remote work arrangement
Companies have been advised to implement necessary precautions, including introducing remote or flexible working arrangements where required. Employers were also urged to ensure the availability of personal protective equipment, safe transportation, and suitable workplace conditions.
The ministry commended businesses for their ongoing efforts to maintain safe working environments and raise awareness among employees regarding safety protocols during emergency weather situations. It also confirmed continued coordination with relevant authorities to issue guidance and instructions aimed at safeguarding workers nationwide.
Additionally, MoHRE highlighted that awareness campaigns are being conducted in collaboration with government entities and the private sector to strengthen occupational health and safety standards. Enforcement measures, it added, remain in place to address any violations.
The Abu Dhabi Police has urged delivery motorcycle riders to avoid operating during weather conditions, as part of its ongoing “Smart Road Safety” initiative aimed at protecting road users.
Brigadier Mahmoud Yousef Al Baloushi, Director of the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate, warned that motorcycles are particularly vulnerable in wet conditions. He noted that rain can cause skidding and increase stopping distances, significantly raising the risk of accidents.
Authorities stressed that motorcycles are primarily designed for dry roads, making riding during rainfall especially dangerous. Riders have been strongly advised to stay off the roads until conditions improve.
The initiative also includes awareness workshops conducted in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, and Urdu, to educate delivery riders on traffic safety and regulations.
Once weather conditions stabilise, riders are urged to follow strict safety measures, including:
Staying within lanes
Avoiding mobile phone use while driving
Wearing proper protective gear
Ensuring lights are functional
Maintaining safe distances from other vehicles
Officials emphasised that these precautions are essential to prevent serious injuries and ensure the safety of all road users.
Authorities in Sharjah have announced remote work for government employees, effective immediately through Thursday, March 26, as part of ongoing safety measures.
The Sharjah Human Resources Department has authorised department heads, directors general, and managers across government entities to implement a “work from distance” system where necessary, ensuring business continuity while prioritising employee safety and flexibility.
Officials clarified that the directive does not apply to essential roles that require physical presence at workplaces.
The move aligns with broader precautionary measures across the United Arab Emirates, where authorities continue to adapt working arrangements amid unstable weather and regional developments.
Earlier, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation had advised private sector companies to adopt remote working wherever possible. Schools and universities across the UAE have also shifted to distance learning, with the measure recently extended to ensure student safety.
