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”.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
A new limited-edition collection of gold and silver commemorative coins has been launched in the UAE, celebrating national unity while supporting community development efforts across Dubai.
The initiative, led by Emirates Minting Factory in collaboration with Dubai Gold District, is inspired by the ‘Proud of UAE’ campaign and is available exclusively within the district. The collection offers collectors and investors a chance to collect a symbolic piece tied to a defining moment in the nation’s recent history.
Beyond its collectable value, the project carries a philanthropic dimension. Proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to Ferjan Dubai, a social enterprise focused on strengthening community life and enhancing social well-being across neighbourhoods.
Officials say the initiative reflects a broader message of unity and resilience. Essa Al Falasi, Chairman of Emirates Minting Factory, described the coins as symbols of “gratitude and solidarity,” noting that the project aims to combine tangible value with meaningful impact. As a UAE-founded company, he added, the factory sought to contribute in a way that resonates with both national pride and social responsibility.
Each coin is crafted with investment-grade 1 oz gold and silver, reflecting the UAE’s heritage through detailed design and high-quality minting. The collection is positioned not only as a commemorative keepsake but also as a long-term asset for collectors.
The launch comes amid a growing trend of purpose-driven luxury products in the region, blending investment appeal with social impact.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has announced that the upcoming Friday sermon in the UAE will urge worshippers to uphold national loyalty and report activities that may threaten security, while warning against actions that undermine national unity.
Delivered under the title “Whoever betrays our nation is not one of us”, the sermon will emphasise that honesty and trust are core Islamic values, describing betrayal as a grave sin.
Worshippers, particularly youth, will be urged to remain vigilant and not be misled by narratives. The message will stress unity, adherence to authentic teachings, and respect for the country’s laws and leadership.
It will also highlight the role of security services in safeguarding stability and urge individuals to report suspicious behaviour through official channels, noting that concealing wrongdoing is itself a serious offence.
The sermon will pay tribute to the UAE Armed Forces ahead of their unification anniversary on May 6, and conclude with prayers for the nation’s safety, leadership and continued prosperity.
