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”.
Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir has called Virat Kohli the greatest batsman of this generation, rating the Indian cricket team’s talisman over others from this current generation like Babar Azam, Steve Smith, and Joe Root
“Virat Kohli is the greatest player of this generation. I laugh when comparisons are made between him and Babar Azam, Steve Smith, or Joe Root. We cannot compare Virat Kohli to anyone because he has won so many matches for India, which seems impossible for any one player. Not just in one format, but in all three formats, Virat is the greatest batsman of this generation.
“Virat Kohli’s work ethic sets him apart from all players. After his bad phase in England in 2014, the way he made a comeback and then consistently performed brilliantly for the next 10 years was no ordinary feat. His wicket in the 2017 Champions Trophy final was very important for us, which helped us win the final. If Virat had not been dismissed, we would have lost the final because we all know how exceptional Virat’s record is while chasing runs,” Mohammad Amir said on the Cricket Predicta Show recently.
“Dismissing Sachin Tendulkar was the most special moment for me. I bowled to him only once in my life during the 2009 Champions Trophy, which was held in South Africa, and dismissed him while playing against India. I had seen him play cricket on TV and always used to think about how brilliant a batsman Sachin was… Bowling to Sachin Tendulkar was a big thing for me. For three days after his dismissal, I was not in my senses; I could not believe I had taken Sachin paaji’s wicket. I was new to cricket and he (Sachin Tendulkar) was the kind of player who had a deep understanding of every aspect of the game. When the captain handed me the ball, my heart was pounding. I took a deep breath and bowled to him. My condition was exactly like when I met Wasim Akram for the first time,” said Amir.
Dubai will implement gradual road closures on New Year’s Eve, including major routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road, starting from 4 PM on December 31, according to a senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Residents and visitors planning to visit Downtown Dubai or other popular fireworks destinations are advised to begin their journeys early and rely on public transport, said Hussain Al Bana, Executive Director of Traffic at the RTA. He urged those not attending festivities in these areas to leave early and reminded guests with bookings near the celebrations to arrive before 4 PM.
The road closure schedule includes:
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard: From 4 PM
Financial Centre Street (Lower Deck): From 4 PM
Al Mustaqbal Street: From 4 PM
Burj Khalifa Street: From 4 PM
Al Asayel Road (Oud Metha to Burj Khalifa): From 4 PM
Al Sukuk Street: From 8 PM
Upper Level of Financial Road: From 8 PM
Sheikh Zayed Road: Gradual closure from 11 PM
To accommodate workers and ensure safety, authorities have designated viewing zones featuring large screens and meal services in collaboration with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs. Dedicated family-only viewing areas have also been arranged, with additional details forthcoming.
Enhanced Parking Facilities
The RTA has arranged approximately 20,000 additional parking spaces at Dubai Mall, Zabeel, and Emaar Boulevard to cater to visitors. Alternative parking options at Al Wasl and the GDRFA parking lots will also be available, with free shuttle buses provided for convenience.
Metro users can park at Centerpoint, Etisalat e&, and Jebel Ali stations for easier access to celebration venues. Note that the Dubai Water Canal Footbridge and elevators will close at 4 PM.
Citywide Celebrations
As Dubai rings in 2025, a total of 36 locations across the city will host spectacular celebrations. Highlights include fireworks displays at Burj Park, Global Village, Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach at JBR, and Hatta.
Authorities encourage the public to use public transport and plan their journeys in advance to enjoy a smooth and memorable New Year’s Eve.
Dubai Metro and Tram services will operate nonstop for over 43 hours starting December 31, according to a senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
This initiative is designed to alleviate congestion during New Year celebrations, encouraging the public to rely on public transport for a smoother journey. Dubai Metro will run continuously from 5 AM on December 31 until the end of January 1, while Dubai Tram will operate from 6 AM on December 31 until 1 AM on January 2.
Additionally, the RTA will deploy a fleet of 1,400 buses, available free of charge, to further support public transportation. The RTA, highlighted that the extended Metro and Tram services, increased parking facilities, and free bus rides are part of the authority’s efforts to provide convenient travel options and reduce traffic congestion for celebrators.
