Category: Azer News

Astronomers have uncovered a planetary system that challenges conventional theories of planet formation. The system likely includes a rocky planet that formed beyond the orbits of its gaseous neighbors, after most of the material needed for planet formation had already been used, AzerNEWS reports.

The system, observed with the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS Space Telescope, consists of two rocky planets and two gaseous planets orbiting a relatively small and dim star known as a “red dwarf.” This star, called LHS 1903, is located about 117 light-years away in the direction of the constellation Leo. For reference, a light-year is the distance light travels in a year-roughly 9.5 trillion kilometers.

LHS 1903 has about half the mass of our Sun and emits only about 5% of the Sun’s brightness.

What fascinates scientists is the unusual arrangement of the planets. The planet closest to the star is rocky, followed by two gaseous planets further out. ‘Traditional models suggest that planets near a star should be small rocky worlds with little or no gas,’ explained Thomas Wilson, an astronomer at the University of Warwick in England and lead author of the study published in Science.

He added, ‘This is because the inner regions of a planetary system are usually too hot for gas or ice to remain. Any primordial atmosphere would be stripped away by stellar radiation. Conversely, planets forming farther from the star in colder regions typically accumulate large gaseous envelopes. This system defies that expectation, presenting a rocky planet beyond its gas-rich neighbors-a configuration we have not seen before.’

In our Solar System, the inner planets-Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars-are rocky, while the outer planets are gaseous giants. Dwarf planets like Pluto, orbiting beyond the gas giants, are small and icy.

Since the 1990s, astronomers have discovered more than 6,100 exoplanets orbiting stars beyond our Solar System. Remarkably, all four planets in this newly discovered system orbit closer to LHS 1903 than Mercury does to the Sun. The outermost planet lies at only about 40% of Mercury’s distance from our Sun, a configuration common around red dwarfs, which tend to have smaller masses than the Sun.

The two rocky planets are classified as super-Earths-rocky worlds roughly ten times the mass of Earth. The two gaseous planets are mini-Neptunes, smaller than Neptune but still larger than Earth.

Researchers suggest the planets may have formed sequentially rather than simultaneously in a large disk of gas and dust around their star. ‘Did the fourth planet form after the gas ran out, or was it the remnant of a collision that stripped away its atmosphere? The latter scenario might seem unlikely until you consider that the Earth-Moon system formed from just such a giant impact,’ said Andrew Cameron, an astronomer at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and co-author of the study.

Intriguingly, the fourth planet might even be potentially habitable. It has a mass 5.8 times that of Earth, with an average surface temperature of about 60°C-similar to the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, 57°C. ‘While extreme by Earth standards, this temperature does not rule out habitability. Future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope could reveal more about its atmosphere and surface conditions, providing insights into whether life could exist there,’ Wilson said.

This system not only challenges our understanding of planet formation but also offers a unique opportunity to study planets in configurations previously thought impossible, hinting that our Solar System may not be as typical as once believed.

At the headquarters of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, a meeting has been held between the organization’s President, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova, and the Director of the ANAS Institute of Folklore, Doctor of Philology Hikmat Guliyev, AzerNEWS reports.

The meeting focused on the current state of cooperation between the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Institute of Folklore, the outcomes of joint projects, and prospects for further development. Also participating in the discussions were Chief of Staff of the Foundation, Doctor of History Fakhri Hajiyev, Head of Projects Leyla Hasanova, and Research Specialist Serik Nurmoldaev.

During the meeting, special emphasis was placed on the significance of the joint scientific and publishing initiatives carried out in 2025, highlighting their role in advancing scholarly research and promoting cultural heritage.

In particular, it was noted that the first volume of the multi-volume, multilingual anthology “Turkic Folklore Heritage” – “Azerbaijani Heroic Epic”, prepared in accordance with academic principles and published to a high standard, represents a significant contribution to the study and promotion of the Turkic world’s folkloric legacy.

The participants also highlighted the international scientific symposium titled “From Ashig Alasgar to Uzeyir Hajibayli: Cultural Codes of the Turkic World”, stressing its importance in exploring the shared cultural memory of Turkic peoples and shaping new scholarly approaches.

In addition, the sides discussed the ongoing work and upcoming tasks related to the preparation of the second volume of the anthology, “Azerbaijani Love Epics.”

It was noted that this publication will make an important contribution to presenting the spiritual values, aesthetic worldview, and rich folklore traditions of Turkic peoples on a solid scientific basis.

Established in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations.

The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs.

The organization carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy.

The Institute of Folklore of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) was established in 1994 as a continuation of decades-long efforts in Azerbaijan to systematically study and preserve the country’s rich oral and intangible heritage. Its roots, however, trace back to earlier research traditions from the Soviet period, when Azerbaijani folklore was documented and studied by scholars at various academic institutions and cultural organizations.

The Institute has become the central hub for folklore research in Azerbaijan, combining fieldwork, archival studies, and theoretical analysis. It has played a key role in collecting epic tales, folk songs, proverbs, legends, and customs from all regions of the country, ensuring that these traditions are preserved for future generations.

Through its publications, conferences, and symposia, the Institute has established itself as a leading authority in the field, bridging traditional oral heritage with modern scholarly research.

United States President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu back in December 2025 that, should talks with Iran fall through, he would support Israel targeting Tehran’s ballistic missile program, CBS News reported on Sunday, citing sources, AzerNEWS reports.

The two sources detailed that US military and intelligence figures have been having internal talks about the possibility of backing a second round of Israeli attacks against Iran.

The focus has been on how Washington could assist in such a mission, including a potential aerial refueling for Israeli jets, as well as the question of ensuring overflight permission for the airspace of other countries in the Middle East. It remains unclear which countries could give such permissions, as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all previously said they would forbid the use of their airspace for such purposes.

‘Dismantling Iran’s nuclear program a must’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a conference on Sunday that any deal with Iranmust include the dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure, noting that he still feels sceptical about the whole situation.

“All enrichment has to leave Iran. There should be no enrichment capability. Not [just] stopping the enrichment process, but dismantl[ing] the infrastructure that allows you to enrich in the first place,” he commented. He further added that the issue of Iran’s ballistic missile program also needs to be addressed. “The axis of terror” must be dismantled, Netanyahu insisted.

Talking about Hamas, he underscored that its tunnels need to be destroyed. So far, Israel dismantled 150 kilometers of a total of 500 kilometers of these tunnels, Netanyahu noted.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda on the occasion of Lithuania’s national holiday, AzerNEWS reports.

“Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Lithuania, I sincerely congratulate you and your people on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan and Lithuania are united by friendly and cooperative relations. I believe that our joint efforts to further strengthen our bilateral relations, which have good traditions, and to expand our cooperation will continue to contribute to the well-being of our peoples.

On this holiday, I wish you robust health, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the people of Lithuania,” the letter reads.

Peace does not take root merely in the absence of guns or open conflict. It flourishes where justice, equality and, above all, human rights are upheld. Yet justice and equality rarely arrive of their own accord; they are secured through persistence, difficult choices and sustained resolve.

Since the 2020 Patriotic War, Azerbaijan has sought to move in that direction. Many believed that the liberation of Qarabag and the end of three decades of occupation marked a decisive turning point, i.e. the beginning of normalisation. But as events have unfolded, it has become clear that history carries layers which never truly fade from memory.

A significant moment unfolded last week. For the first time, a delegation of Azerbaijani civil society representatives crossed the land border into what is now the territory of Armenia. They entered through the recently demarcated and delimited section of the border near Ashagi Askipara, an area that has only recently been reintegrated into Azerbaijan.

All formal procedures were completed and for the participants, this was more than a logistical crossing. It was a practical confidence-building measure, which means tangible evidence that normalisation can move beyond statements and communiqués.

The visit to Tsaghkadzor, historically known as Derechichek (Valley of Flowers), for a civil society roundtable under the ‘Peace Bridge’ initiative was itself a message. Dialogue, it suggested, need not remain confined to official diplomacy. It can also take place around shared tables, through face-to-face conversations and genuine exchanges of views.

Over two days of discussion, the language of peace reflected both fragility and cautious responsibility. Trust in the South Caucasus remains uneven and incomplete, but the talks reinforced the idea that it can be rebuilt gradually through sustained human contact and sincere dialogue.

The discussions began within a broad political context. Participants assessed the current stage of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, including the future trajectories opened by the peace agenda initialled at leaders’ level during the August summit in Washington. Regional security dominated the agenda, followed by new economic prospects emerging from potential connectivity and cooperation. Informal cultural and social activities also helped soften the atmosphere, allowing space for more open exchanges.

Emin Aliyev, editor-in-chief of the Trend news agency, who was part of the Azerbaijani delegation, described the atmosphere as notably constructive.

‘Frankly, there was an environment beyond rigid formality,’ he said. ‘Beyond official statements and panel discussions, the overall tone was defined less by emotional gestures and more by a sense of practicality.’

According to Aliyev, the meetings with the Armenian delegation were marked by pragmatism and composure. ‘The pragmatic and constructive approach on both sides outweighed any emotional undertones and created a high-level environment. After decades of hostility, such calm and measured behaviour sent a clear signal about reconciliation and the management of this process.’

He added that even sensitive topics were addressed without disruption. Discussions included issues of direct relevance to Azerbaijani society: the restoration of transport communications, the TRIPP project, confidence-building measures between the two societies, and related matters. Participants, he noted, were able to articulate their views openly and without hesitation. Meetings were also held with senior Armenian officials during the roundtable discussions.

Aliyev observed that the sessions focused less on grievances and more on the wider regional picture. Themes included the evolving regional security architecture, the tangible benefits of peace, public perceptions in both societies regarding interstate relations, economic cooperation prospects, and the role of civil society.

Peacebuilding, he stressed, is not an event to be declared overnight. ‘It is a long and demanding process. Peace is not something that can simply be announced. It is the result of gradual work carried out in parallel by state institutions and civil societies. Trust-building is part of that process.’

The dialogue held on 13-14 February demonstrated that building peace and restoring trust need not be an impossible task. It is neither searching for water in the desert nor looking for a needle in a haystack. The process is undeniably slow and complex, but the very act of sustained dialogue offers grounds for cautious optimism about more substantive engagement in the future.

The return of residents to Aghdam city’s 2nd residential complex carries deep meaning and marks a significant milestone in the region’s post-conflict recovery, AzerNEWS reports via Trend.

Currently, 103 families, totalling 403 residents, have settled in the complex, while construction continues in other areas as new phases of development are launched.

Fidan Mammadli, an official from the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service in the districts of Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend, provided details to Trend.

According to Mammadli, construction has already begun on the 5th residential complex, which will consist of 12 neighbourhoods. Across these neighbourhoods, a total of 50 buildings have been planned: 40 residential and 10 non-residential. The complex is expected to include 1,074 apartments, ranging from one to four rooms.

In addition, construction on the 3rd residential complex, which will comprise 13 neighbourhoods, is scheduled to begin in the near future.

The city’s restoration plans also include work on auxiliary structures of the Aghdam Friday Mosque and the construction of a multifunctional administrative building, which will commence shortly.

These initiatives reflect Azerbaijan’s ongoing commitment to rebuilding Aghdam and restoring life and infrastructure to the city.

A total of 385 hectares of land were cleared of mines in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories over the past week, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA).

In its weekly update on demining operations carried out by institutions involved in humanitarian mine clearance, ANAMA stated that significant progress was made between February 9 and 15.

During the reporting period, specialists detected and neutralized seven anti-tank mines, 53 anti-personnel mines, and 130 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

The continued clearance efforts are part of Azerbaijan’s broader post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation process, aimed at ensuring safe resettlement and accelerating infrastructure development in the liberated areas.

Expired and unserviceable ammunition will be destroyed at a military training ground near the settlement of Pir?k?skl and at a training center located in the Agd?r? District, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Defense Ministry.

The Ministry noted that the disposal process will take place from February 16 to 20. The operation will involve the destruction of munitions whose service life has expired and which are no longer suitable for use.

The Ministry emphasized that the procedure will be carried out in strict compliance with safety regulations. The destruction of the ammunition will occur at the designated military polygon near Pir?k?skl as well as at the training center in the territory of Agd?r? District.

Officials also sought to reassure the public, noting that residents in nearby areas may hear explosion sounds during the specified period.

‘We urge the population not to be alarmed by the sounds of explosions and inform citizens that there is no cause for concern,’ the statement said.

The Ministry underscored that all necessary safety measures will be observed throughout the process to ensure public security.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the Board of Peace will announce this week that member states have pledged more than $5 billion toward humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and committed thousands of personnel to an international stabilization force and local police in the territory, AzerNEWS reports.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the announcement will be made Feb. 19, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, where he will be joined by member states of the organization, which he chairs.

Trump wrote that member states have pledged more than $5 billion toward Gaza humanitarian and reconstruction efforts and have committed thousands of personnel to an international stabilization force and local police to maintain security and peace for residents of the enclave.

He also said Hamas ‘must uphold its commitment to full and immediate demilitarization.’

Trump described the Board of Peace as having ‘unlimited potential’ and said it would prove to be ‘the most consequential international body in history,’ adding that it is his honor to serve as its chairman.

Access to social media for people under the age of 16 could be banned in the UK as early as 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

According to government sources, the ban may come into effect this summer, following the completion of consultations on the matter. The restrictions would cover not only traditional social networks but also AI-powered chatbots. Additionally, online platforms could be required to enforce limits on the amount of time children spend on endless-scrolling apps, aiming to curb digital overuse.

On the evening of February 15, the Cabinet of Ministers announced that urgent legislative work would begin on February 16 to amend the Law on Internet Security. According to a statement from the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ‘the government will swiftly close legal loopholes and ensure all AI chatbot providers comply with their obligations to combat illegal content’ under the law.

Starmer highlighted London’s actions regarding the Grok chatbot, developed by American billionaire Elon Musk’s xAI company. The government stated that these efforts ‘have sent a clear signal that no platform will have a free pass.’ In excerpts from a speech scheduled for Monday, Starmer added, ‘Today we are closing the loopholes that threaten children and laying the groundwork for future protections. We are acting to safeguard children’s well-being and help parents navigate the digital minefield of social media.’

As reported by The Times, the prime minister plans to use so-called ‘Henry VIII powers’ to accelerate the process. Named after the English monarch who reigned from 1509 to 1547 and could change laws via royal decree, these powers allow the government to amend regulations through by-laws without full parliamentary approval.

‘These powers enable us to respond to research findings and technological developments within months, rather than waiting years for new legislation to pass through Parliament,’ the government stated. Experts warn that while this approach allows for rapid action, it also concentrates significant power in the executive branch, raising questions about oversight and transparency.

The proposed measures have sparked debate among parents, educators, and tech companies. While some welcome stronger protections for children, others worry that an outright ban may limit young people’s ability to develop digital literacy skills in an increasingly connected world. Social media platforms, meanwhile, may face new technical and legal challenges as they adapt to stricter rules and time limits for minors.

The UK could become one of the first countries to impose such sweeping restrictions, potentially setting a precedent for how governments balance child safety and digital freedom in the age of AI.