Pakistan’s first lunar rover has been named “Jinnah-1”, a name selected from the entries received in a nationwide naming competition.
According to SUPARCO, more than 4,000 suggestions were received from across the country for the lunar rover’s name. The name “Jinnah-1” was proposed by seven participants, and the winner was selected through a lucky draw.
17-year-old Tayyab Karim from Bahawalnagar was declared the winner among those who suggested the name “Jinnah-1.”
The SUPARCO chairman said that “Jinnah-1” pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and represents Pakistan’s determination, progress, and pursuit of new frontiers in space.
It is pertinent to note that Pakistan’s first lunar rover will be sent to the Moon in 2029 aboard China’s Chang’e-8 mission. “Jinnah-1” will conduct scientific research at the Moon’s south pole.
NASA dismisses viral claims of 7-second loss of earth’s gravity
Over the past few days, social media has been flooded with claims that Earth’s gravity will temporarily disappear for a few seconds on August 12, potentially triggering a catastrophic event. However, NASA has dismissed the claims as completely unfounded and clarified that no such event is going to happen.
Viral posts have alleged that Earth’s gravity will vanish for seven seconds on August 12, and that governments are aware of the supposed danger but are keeping it secret.
The rumors also mention a fictional initiative called “Project Anchor,” which supposedly refers to a plan through which NASA had advance knowledge of an impending change in Earth’s gravity. According to the posts, the alleged event was scheduled to occur at 14:33 UTC (16:33 South African Standard Time) and would last for around seven seconds.
NASA has rejected these claims, explaining that Earth’s gravity is directly tied to the planet’s mass and that there is no mechanism by which it could suddenly disappear.
According to NASA, Earth’s gravitational force is determined by the planet’s mass. For Earth’s gravity to disappear, there would have to be a reduction in the mass of the entire Earth system—including its core, mantle, crust, oceans, groundwater and atmosphere.
NASA has further clarified that Earth will not lose its gravity on August 12, 2026.
Also Read: NASA dismisses viral claims of 7-second loss of earth’s gravity
