Greek Tomb Possibly Holds Alexander the Great's Tunic, New Study Suggests

A cloth fragment discovered in a royal tomb in Greece could be the remains of a tunic once worn by Alexander the Great, according to recent claims by Professor Emeritus Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace. Found in a tomb near Vergina, a site historically tied to Macedonian royalty, this garment is now believed by Bartsiokas to have belonged not to Alexander's father, Philip II, as previously thought, but to Alexander's half-brother Philip III Arrhidaeus. Arrhidaeus assumed the title of king after Alexander's death, though his capacity to rule was limited by a mental disability.

Debate Surrounding the Tomb's Occupants and Origins

The discovery was published in Journal of Field Archaeology. The discovery of the garment was made in 1977 within a gold chest in a tomb traditionally associated with Philip II. However, Bartsiokas argues that this tomb actually houses the remains of Arrhidaeus and his wife, Eurydice, basing his conclusion on historical records, wall art in the tomb, and an analysis of the garment itself. The tunic, he asserts, may have originally belonged to Alexander but was passed down to Arrhidaeus upon Alexander's death, symbolising continuity within the royal lineage. Testing by other scholars had previously shown that the cloth, dyed purple and containing layers of cotton and huntite, resembled garments worn by Persian kings, adding weight to Bartsiokas' argument.

Scholars' Mixed Responses to the Findings

Experts have responded with varied opinions on Bartsiokas' claims. Senior researcher Hariclia Brecoulaki of Greece's National Hellenic Research Foundation disputed Bartsiokas' identification of the garment as a tunic, suggesting instead that it more closely resembles a scarf used to wrap bones. Additionally, Athanasia Kyriakou, director of the Vergina excavation project at Aristotle University, noted that Bartsiokas had not directly examined the materials and criticised the findings as speculative.

Other scholars provided cautious support. Professor Susan Rotroff, a classics scholar at Washington University in St. Louis, found Bartsiokas' conclusions plausible, noting that the garment's cotton fibres align with a timeline after Alexander's Persian conquests. Richard Janko, a classical studies professor at the University of Michigan, described the research as intriguing but emphasised that the cotton may have reached Greece through trade routes accessible to Philip II.

The debate over the identity of the tomb's occupants continues, but Bartsiokas' hypothesis has spurred renewed discussion on the artefacts and their historical significance in connection with Alexander the Great.

 

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Adharma Kadhaigal: Tamil Fantasy Thriller Now Streaming on Aha Tamil Platform

Actor Vetri, known for his roles in experimental Tamil cinema, has seen his latest film, Adharma Kadhaigal, receive attention for its unique narrative. The movie, which first hit theatres on August 23, 2024, is set to stream on the Aha Tamil platform in India, starting November 15, 2024. Adharma Kadhaigal has garnered positive responses, particularly for its imaginative narrative and engaging performances. The film currently holds an impressive IMDb rating of 9.4/10, reflecting strong audience satisfaction.

When and Where to Watch Adharma Kadhaigal

Adharma Kadhaigal will be available for streaming on Aha Tamil from November 15, 2024. The movie, directed, written and produced by Kamaraj Vel, is now accessible to a wider audience. Fans can tune in to watch the film on the Aha Tamil app or its website.

Official Trailer and Plot of Adharma Kadhaigal

The official trailer of Adharma Kadhaigal showcases a gripping narrative set in the fantasy genre, blending elements of drama and thriller. The plot follows a gangster who returns during the pandemic to reconnect with his wife. This return during such a turbulent period forms the backbone of the narrative. The film's mystical overtones combined with tense storytelling engage the viewer through its unique setting and psychological themes.

Cast and Crew of Adharma Kadhaigal

The cast of Adharma Kadhaigal features prominent Tamil actors, including Vetri, Sakshi Agarwal, Ammu Abirami as Nandhini, Dhivya Duraisamy, and Sunil Reddy, among others. The film was produced by Kamaraj Vel under the banner of Big Bang Movies. The music, composed by A.R. Raihanah, S.N. Arunagiri, Harish Arjun and Charan Kumar, complements the film's narrative.

 

 

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Astrophotographer Captures Milky Way Over Easter Island's Moai During Eclipse

A remarkable image of the Milky Way's swirling colours over Easter Island's famed Moai statues was captured recently by photographer Josh Dury, a seasoned astrophotographer and contributor to Space.com. During his trip to Easter Island for last month's annular solar eclipse, Dury took advantage of the island's pristine night sky to photograph the ancient statues beneath a brilliant stretch of the Milky Way, showcasing a unique connection between the island's historical culture and the universe above. This image, titled Aringa Ora O Te Tupuna or The Living Face of the Ancestors, was shared on social media and subsequently recognised by NASA as an Astronomy Photo of the Day (APOD).

Stunning Night Sky Above Iconic Moai Statues

The Moai statues, some of which are over twice the height of an average human and weigh up to 12,700 kilograms, stand as ancient figures on the remote island, renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, far from urban light pollution. During his stay, Dury, supported by island residents, positioned his camera to capture a composition that framed the statues with the Milky Way. The shot, in addition to its artistic merit, is seen as a tribute to the islanders and the ancestral legacy of the Rapa Nui people.

A Photographer's Tribute to Culture and Science

Dury described the experience as one of the most emotionally significant of his career, dedicating the photograph to both the island's people and its ancestors. In a statement about the image's title, he explained that the phrase, in the native Rapa Nui language, represents a bridge between art, science the cultural importance of astronomy to the island's inhabitants.

 

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Nandhan Tamil Movie OTT Release Date on Aha: Sasikumar’s Latest Drama Streaming Soon

The Tamil drama film Nandhan, starring M. Sasikumar, is set to make its debut on Aha Tamil following its theatrical release in September 2024 and an earlier streaming run on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Era Saravanan, the film explores themes of caste and resistance in a rural setting.

When and Where to Watch Nandhan

Nandhan will be available to stream on Aha Tamil. Originally released in theatres on September 20, 2024, the film has already made its digital debut on Amazon Prime Video. The recent announcement from a tweet by Aha's handle on X by Aha on November 14 indicates its release on their platform, offering audiences another chance to experience the powerful narrative.

Official Trailer and Plot of Nandhan

The film's storyline, set in the fictional village of Vanangankudi, highlights the struggles of a Scheduled Caste community against systemic oppression. Central to the plot is Koozhpaana, played by Sasikumar, who confronts the tyranny of Koppulingam, a dominant caste leader clinging to power through fear and manipulation. The trailer provides a glimpse into the raw and emotional journey of justice and empowerment, resonating deeply with viewers.

Cast and Crew of Nandhan

Directed by Era Saravanan, Nandhan features an ensemble cast led by M. Sasikumar and Suruthi Periasamy. Supporting roles are portrayed by prominent actors such as Samuthirakani, Balaji Sakthivel, and Mithun Bose. Cinematography was handled by R.V. Saran, editing by Nelson Anthony, and music was composed by Ghibran Vaibodha. The film was produced under the Era Entertainment banner.

Reception of Nandhan

Nandhan received positive reviews upon release, earning praise for its compelling performances and Era Saravanan's direction. The film currently holds an IMDb rating of 8.3/10, reflecting its strong reception. Its portrayal of societal issues and a gripping storyline has solidified its status as a must-watch.

 

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Amber Discovered For the First Time in Antarctica: What You Need to Know

The discovery of amber in Antarctica has been reported for the first time, as detailed in a recent study published in Antarctic Science. Dr. Johann Klages from the University of Bremen, alongside a team of researchers, uncovered this specimen in sediment cores from the Pine Island trough in West Antarctica. This ancient amber, originating from approximately 83 to 92 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period, offers valuable insights into prehistoric environmental conditions near the South Pole.

Unveiling the First Antarctic Amber

The study was published in Antarctic Science journal and reveals that the amber, known as Pine Island amber, was retrieved using the MARUM-MeBo70 drill rig during a 2017 expedition on the RV Polarstern vessel. This mid-Cretaceous resin is considered a significant breakthrough as it suggests that a swampy temperate rainforest, dominated by coniferous trees, thrived in the region during a much warmer period in Earth's history. According to Dr. Henny Gerschel from the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, the amber likely contains tiny fragments of tree bark, preserved through micro-inclusions. Its solid, translucent quality indicates that it was buried close to the surface, protecting it from thermal degradation.

Insights into Prehistoric Forest Ecosystems

The presence of pathological resin flow within the amber offers clues into the defence mechanisms used by ancient trees against environmental stressors like parasites or wildfires. "This discovery hints at a much richer forest ecosystem near the South Pole during the mid-Cretaceous," Dr. Klages explained, noting the resin's defensive chemical and physical properties that protected it from insect attacks and infections.

Reconstructing Ancient Antarctic Environments

The amber's discovery marks a key step in reconstructing ancient polar climates, supporting the idea that temperate forests once spanned across all continents. Researchers aim to explore further by analysing whether signs of past life are preserved in the amber. This study, beyond unearthing Antarctic amber, opens new opportunities to deepen understanding of Earth's climatic past and the adaptability of prehistoric ecosystems.

 

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Alien: Romulus OTT Release Date Reportedly Revealed: When and Where to Watch it Online?

Sci-fi horror enthusiasts who missed Alien: Romulus in cinemas will soon have the chance to experience it on OTT platform. Directed by acclaimed Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez, the film is an addition to the Alien franchise. It follows three siblings—space colonists struggling for survival on a desolate mining planet—who encounter terrifying extraterrestrial creatures after boarding a seemingly abandoned space station. Initially hoping for resources to sustain them, the colonists instead face relentless threats, battling for their lives against hostile authorities, depleting resources, and deadly alien creatures.

When and Where to Watch Alien: Romulus

As per a report by Streaming Updates, the Alien: Romulus might premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on November 21, 2024. The tweet further mentions that the movie might be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English languages. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Alien: Romulus

The trailer for Alien: Romulus teases a dark, thrilling journey as the protagonists discover long-abandoned cryo-pods on the space station, setting the stage for a gripping survival tale. Trapped within the hostile station, siblings Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her adopted brother Andy (portrayed by David Jonsson) face dwindling supplies and escalating threats from vicious xenomorphs.

Cast and Crew of Alien: Romulus

Fede Alvarez, known for his expertise in horror and suspense, directs the latest Alien instalment. The cast includes Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, whose performances have drawn praise for enhancing the film's emotional depth and tension.

Reception of Alien: Romulus

Following its theatrical release on August 16, Alien: Romulus achieved remarkable box-office success, grossing Rs. 3,500 crore globally. The film has gained 7.2 on IMDb and holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

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Scientists Achieve Time-Reversal Symmetry With Kagome Superconductor

A team at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland has achieved a breakthrough with a Kagome superconductor (RbV3Sb5) that demonstrates time-reversal symmetry (TRS) breaking at a temperature of 175 Kelvin (-98°C or -144.67 °F). This record temperature suggests promising developments in quantum systems, which typically require ultra-low temperatures to prevent disruptions caused by thermal energy. Researchers believe the high-temperature TRS breaking in RbV3Sb5 can reduce energy needs for quantum technology, potentially accelerating its adoption.

Understanding Time-Reversal Symmetry in Quantum Technology

TRS implies that the fundamental laws remain the same when time flows backward in Physics. However, in materials like RbV3Sb5, TRS is broken, leading to unique quantum states that are challenging yet essential for developing advanced quantum devices. These unusual states result in the material behaving differently depending on the direction of time, an attribute that can be manipulated for enhanced control over quantum systems.

According to the study authors, this Kagome superconductor maintains superconductivity down to approximately two Kelvin but can sustain TRS-breaking quantum states at much higher temperatures, enhancing its suitability for real-world applications. PSI researchers, including Mahir Dzambegovic, highlighted the material's charge order state, where electrons form an organised pattern, producing a magnetic effect that breaks TRS at -144.67 °F.

Implications for Future Quantum Systems

The discovery of TRS breaking at such temperatures presents significant implications for quantum computing and storage. The ability to maintain these effects at higher temperatures could make quantum technologies more feasible outside of laboratory settings, according to PSI's team. Notably, the TRS-breaking properties of RbV3Sb5 are tunable, with effects varying based on the material's depth, from surface to core.

Future studies are expected to further explore the tunability of Kagome superconductors, particularly focusing on the interplay between superconductivity and TRS-breaking effects in RbV3Sb5. The study, published in Nature Communications, marks a step toward achieving practical quantum devices capable of operating in more energy-efficient conditions.

 

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