Over 12K apply for NASA’s next class of astronauts

Washington: NASA has received over 12,000 applications from people showing willingness to join its next class of Artemis Generation astronauts who will help the US space agency explore the Moon and Mars. The application for the newest class of astronauts opened March 2 and closed March 31, NASA said. “We’ve entered a bold new era of space exploration with the Artemis programme, and we are thrilled to see so many incredible Americans apply to join us,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said. IANS

Jazz musician Ellis Marsalis Jr dies of Covid at 85

Los Angeles: Legendary jazz pianist and teacher Ellis Marsalis Jr. died at the age of 85 due to complications of coronavirus. He had passed away on Wednesday, reports usatoday.com. “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Ellis Marsalis Jr.,” son Branford Marsalis said, saying his father was admitted to hospital on Saturday and “died peacefully this evening”. “My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher, but an even greater father. He poured everything he had into making us the best of what we could be,” said Branford. IANS

Antarctica was home to rainforests 90 million yrs ago

London: Researchers have unearthed evidence of rainforests near the South Pole 90 million years ago, a finding which suggests that the climate at this time was exceptionally warm with a higher level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than previously thought. The scientists, including those from Imperial College London in the UK, discovered forest soil pertaining to a time between 145 and 66 million years ago within 900 kilometres of the South Pole. PTI