Two ancient humans become astronauts after being blasted into space
Space travel might be a relatively modern phenomenon, but a pair of ancient human ancestors are getting to experience it too – albeit two million years after their death. The remains of a hominin species called Australopithecus sediba which date back two million years have been blasted into space as part of the Virgin Galactic’s spaceship, VSS Unity. The remains of a 250,000-year-old species named Homo naledi was also included in the craft, which was sent into space on September 8. Bone fragments from the two ancient skeletons were taken into orbit by Professor Lee Berger. They reached a height of around 50,000 feet by the VMS Eve mothership before being separated from the VSS Unity spaceship. Berger said: “The journey of these fossils into space represents humankind’s appreciation of the contribution of all of humanity’s ancestors and our ancient relatives. “Without their invention of technologies such as fire and tools, and their contribution to the evolution of the contemporary human mind, such extraordinary endeavors as spaceflight would not have happened.” Berger’s son, Matthew Berger, who was a part of the discovery of the remains as a child went on to explain the significance of the unusual cargo, saying: “These fossils represent individuals who lived and died hundreds of thousands of years ago, yet were individuals who likely gazed up at the stars in wonder, much as we do,” “I imagine they never could have dreamed while alive of taking such an incredible journey as ambassadors of all of humankind’s ancestors.” Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings
1970-01-01 08:00
Intuit Introduces QuickBooks Money, a New Subscription-Free Payments and Banking Solution for Small Businesses
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 13, 2023--
1970-01-01 08:00
1 advantage the Boston Celtics have over every Atlantic Division team
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1970-01-01 08:00
WNBA Playoffs 2023: 3 keys to Las Vegas Aces and Chicago Sky matchup
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1970-01-01 08:00
Ariana Grande cries opening up on what cosmetic procedures she's had done
Ariana Grande has candidly opened up about how she used to 'hide' herself with cosmetic procedures, before falling in love with her lines and previous insecurities. “Full transparency, as a beauty person, as I do my lips, [I’ve] had a ton of lip filler over the years and Botox. I stopped in 2018 because I just felt so… [it was] too much. I just felt like hiding, you know,” she said in the video, welling up. “For a long time, beauty was about hiding for me, and now I feel like maybe it’s not since I stopped." Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter
1970-01-01 08:00
Kevin Costner's lawyer slams Christine Baumgartner for 'outrageous' $885K legal fee demand
Kevin Costner's lawyer argues hourly rates would require Baumgartner's lawyers to accumulate 1,106 billable hours to justify the amount
1970-01-01 08:00
Likarda Announces Core Shell Spherification for Large Molecule Biologics and Welcomes New CEO, Dr. Stella Vnook
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1970-01-01 08:00
Premier League rumors: Haaland to Barca, Lampard to Lyon, Bowen to Liverpool
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1970-01-01 08:00
Amber Heard 'roleplayed' as Overwatch character for Elon Musk, says biography
You heard it. Amber Heard mained Overwatch healer Mercy for Elon Musk. Or at least that's according to Elon Musk's new biography, penned by Walter Isaacson. Isaacson spent two years on Musk's trail, and has shared plenty of details in his new book, suitably titled 'Elon Musk'. Many of those details explain Musk's relationships, and it goes fairly deep on his on-again-off-again relationship with the Aquaman star. Including the pair's costumed habits off-set. According to Isaacson's biography, Heard allegedly ordered the commission of the Mercy costume to 'roleplay' the character after a two-month design process. All because she wanted to role-play the video game character for Musk after he said Heard resembled the character. Mercy could be Musk's favourite for a few reasons. Urban Dictionary lists 'Mercy Main' as a person who has the most play time on Mercy often being referred to being a "Mom Friend", 'Weeb', thirsty freak or egirl, with questionable abilities on the hero. Kotaku note that the character is particularly popular in online adult animations that feature Overwatch. All un-officially sanctioned, of course. Heading back to the pair, the biography details how their relationship started. Musk first noticed Heard in her role in Robert Rodriguez's Machete Kills. Heard also became interested in Musk and his work - meeting him at SpaceX a year later. She reportedly told Isaacson that "I guess I could be called a geek for someone who can also be called a hot chick." And it also shows a light on how it ended, according to Heard. "Elon loves fire, and sometimes it burns him," Heard told Isaacson. Ouch. In other Musk news, Bill Gates has detailed how the billionaire was 'super mean' to him after a stock related debacle involving the pair. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings
1970-01-01 08:00
Power Edison Unveils Industry-Leading Utility-Grade Mobile Energy Storage System
KEARNY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 13, 2023--
1970-01-01 08:00
UAW president: lot of work remaining to reach auto labor deals
United Auto Workers (UAW) union President Shawn Fain said on Wednesday that progress is slow as talks continue
1970-01-01 08:00
Griffin of Citadel hedge fund lays out roadmap to future philanthropic giving
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss NEW YORK Ken Griffin, the world's most successful hedge fund manager in terms of earnings,
1970-01-01 08:00
