Posts

Preserving the Night Sky in Diwali Nights!

Image
     For astronomers and space enthusiasts, the allure of the night sky is unparalleled. The dark and clear canvas overhead, adorned with twinkling stars, distant galaxies, and other celestial wonders, is a source of endless fascination. However, in many parts of the world, including India, this spectacle is often obscured by various factors, one of which is the annual Diwali celebration.      Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Unfortunately, it has also become synonymous with the widespread use of fireworks and crackers, contributing significantly to air and noise pollution. This not only affects the environment but also takes away from the beauty of the night sky that astronomers and space enthusiasts eagerly await.      In India, the monsoon season typically lingers from June to September, and sometimes even extends into October. This rainy period can make it challenging for astrono...

India's Kalpana, NASA's KC!

Image
India's Kalpana, NASA's KC!      Kalpana Chawla, a name that resonates with courage, determination, and the spirit of exploration, has become an enduring symbol of women's achievements in space. Born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, India, Kalpana Chawla defied societal norms and shattered the glass ceiling t o pursue her dream of reaching for the stars. Her extraordinary journey, both on Earth and in space, continues to inspire countless individuals, including myself, who admire her unwavering passion and indomitable spirit.      Kalpana Chawla's fascination with flying began at a young age. She always had an innate curiosity about the world beyond our planet and the boundless possibilities that lay beyond the confines of Earth. After completing her education in aeronautical engineering, Chawla earned a Master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas. She then went on to obtain a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the same institution. ...

Indians For Indians

Image
 I recently had the incredible opportunity to witness the live launch of Chandrayaan 3 at ISRO's facility in Shriharikota, India. It was an awe-inspiring experience that left me with a profound realization of the power of unity and national pride. As I looked around, I couldn't help but notice the diverse crowd that had gathered to witness this historic event. People from different walks of life, belonging to various castes, religions, and genders, had come together under one roof with a single purpose: to show their unwavering support for ISRO and its mission. It was a moment where the boundaries that often divide us seemed to vanish. In that space, everyone was simply Indian, united in their collective hope for a successful launch. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation, and a shared sense of pride. This unique display of unity is something that we often see during World Cup cricket matches, where the entire nation rallies behind the Indian cricket team. Howeve...

Beautiful Dancing Waves!!

 ` Beautiful Dancing Waves   Imagine you are under a dark sky and suddenly the colorful waves appear in the sky and turns darkness into the bright beautiful sky filled with different colours of rainbow and their shades. Those beautiful dancing waves are the “Auroras” or Polar Lights.    Polar lights (aurora polaris) are a natural phenomenon found in both the northern and southern hemispheres that can be truly awe inspiring. Northern lights are also called by their scientific name aurora borealis, and southern lights are called aurora australis.  History    It wasn’t until 1619 though, that Galileo Galilei coined the term "aurora borealis." Derived from the Greek words "aurora" meaning "sunrise," and "boreas" meaning "wind," the Greeks believed Aurora to be the sister of Helios and Selene. Helios was the sun. Selene was the moon.   Later on, Henry Cavendish recorded the first scientific observations of the northern lights in 1790. Using ...