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#cosmos

Wanderlust

A Night of Wonder: Rare Blood Moon Eclipse to Light Up Indian Skies!

The universe often surprises us with spectacular sights, and September 7-8, 2025, is set to be one of those nights. As the clock ticks past 11:00 PM, the Moon will slowly slip into Earth’s shadow, transforming from a silvery orb into a glowing sphere of red. Known as a Blood Moon, this total lunar eclipse will last for nearly 3 hours and 28 minutes, with the total phase visible between 11:01 PM and 12:23 AM IST. For skywatchers in India, from Delhi to Chennai and Mumbai to Lucknow, it promises to be an unforgettable moment.Why the Moon Turns RedThe term “Blood Moon” might sound dramatic, but the science behind it is both simple and fascinating. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from directly reaching the Moon’s surface. However, Earth’s atmosphere bends some sunlight, especially longer wavelengths of red and orange light, and directs them toward the Moon. This is the same effect that makes sunrises and sunsets appear red. As a result, the Moon glows in a deep crimson shade of red, creating a magical yet scientifically explainable phenomenon.A Rare Cosmic EventTotal lunar eclipses don’t happen every year, and the Blood Moon of 2025 is especially rare. The next similar event won’t occur until 2026. What makes this night even more special is its visibility: the eclipse will be best seen across Asia, Australia, eastern Africa, and parts of Europe, but India is one of the prime viewing locations. For stargazers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Moon’s dramatic transformation in all its glory.Visible Across Indian CitiesFrom the bustling streets of Delhi and Mumbai to the tech hub of Bengaluru and the cultural heart of Chennai, people across India will be able to look up and see the celestial drama unfold. Unlike a solar eclipse, there is no risk to the eyes while watching a lunar eclipse. Families can step out together, children can make their first memories of the night sky, and photographers can capture stunning images with nothing more than a DSLR and a tripod. Throughout history, eclipses have fascinated and sometimes frightened people. Ancient civilizations often saw them as omens, while poets and artists turned them into symbols of mystery and transformation. In today’s world, we understand the science behind them, yet the wonder remains the same. When millions of people in India stand under the same sky on the same night, watching the Moon blush red, it becomes more than just astronomy; it becomes a shared human experience.How to Watch the Blood MoonThe good news is that you don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the eclipse; it is completely safe to watch with the naked eye. However, a few simple steps can make the experience even more memorable. First, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as cloudy skies could block the view of the Moon. Try to find a dark spot away from city lights, since light pollution can reduce the dramatic effect of the eclipse. If you have binoculars or a telescope, use them to see the finer details of the lunar surface as it gradually changes color. And for photography enthusiasts, carrying a steady tripod along with a DSLR camera can help capture breathtaking images of this rare celestial event.A Sky Show for the FutureAs we live in a world filled with screens and distractions, rare celestial events like the Blood Moon remind us to look up. The night of September 7-8, 2025, is not just another date; it’s a chance to pause, step outside, and reconnect with the beauty of the universe. For children, it may spark curiosity about astronomy. For adults, it may revive childhood memories of watching the skies. And for everyone, it will be a reminder that we are part of something larger and more beautiful than our daily routines. So, mark your calendars, step out into the night, and look up. The universe is ready to put on a show, and this time, India is right in the front row.

6 Sep 2025
Wanderlust

Global News

SPHEREx: Mapping the Universe and Sharing It With the World

Imagine being able to look at the entire universe in colors the human eye cannot see. That’s exactly what NASA’s SPHEREx mission is doing, and it’s inviting the entire world to explore the cosmos alongside it. Launched in March and now orbiting Earth, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is a powerful space telescope with a bold mission: to create the most detailed all-sky infrared map ever produced. But what truly makes this mission special isn’t just its scientific goals; it’s how it plans to share its discoveries with everyone.Seeing the Universe in 102 ColorsWhile past missions like NASA’s WISE scanned the universe in four infrared bands, SPHEREx pushes the boundaries by capturing data in 102 infrared wavelengths. Think of it like looking at a black-and-white photo versus a full-color panorama. With this added richness, SPHEREx can detect hidden features in space—such as icy molecules and organic compounds that may be crucial to understanding how life began. SPHEREx uses a technique called spectroscopy, which allows scientists to identify specific molecules by analyzing how they interact with light. This enables the study of frozen water and complex carbon-based molecules spread across the Milky Way—ingredients that could one day point us to the origins of life.Weekly Data Drops: A Gift to the WorldIn a move that reflects NASA’s growing commitment to open science, SPHEREx has begun releasing its data to the public just 60 days after it's collected. Every week, new data is uploaded to IRSA, NASA's Infrared Science Archive hosted at Caltech’s IPAC center in California. This openness allows astronomers, educators, and even students to dive into the same raw cosmic information that top researchers use. Before data reaches the archive, it goes through careful processing. This includes removing errors from detectors, correcting any image distortions, and precisely aligning the images with celestial coordinates. NASA also releases documentation and processing steps, making it easier for others to understand and build upon the mission’s work.Mapping the Sky—Twice a YearSPHEREx’s mission is scheduled to last for two years, during which it will map the entire sky twice annually, creating a total of four full-sky maps. These aren’t just pictures; they are deep, layered views of the cosmos that reveal how galaxies evolved, how stars form, and even how the early universe expanded after the Big Bang. By the one-year mark, the team aims to release the first complete map of the sky in all 102 wavelengths—a resource of enormous value to scientists and citizen astronomers alike. At its heart, SPHEREx is a mission built on a simple, profoundly human idea: our desire to understand the universe. Whether you're a professional astronomer probing the age of galaxies or a student gazing at nebulae for the first time, SPHEREx welcomes you. NASA’s open science philosophy ensures that space exploration isn’t limited to astronauts and scientists; it’s something everyone can be a part of. From classrooms to observatories, from professionals to hobbyists, the data released by SPHEREx could inspire discoveries that shape our understanding of the universe for generations. Want to Explore?To access SPHEREx data and begin your own cosmic journey, visit https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu. You can also sign up for NASA’s Open Science newsletter to stay updated on the latest discoveries and data releases.We all share the same sky. With SPHEREx, NASA is ensuring we can all share in the exploration of it, too.

7 Jul 2025
Global News

Lost in Space: Hubble Spots Black Hole Leaving Dazzling Cosmic Trail

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have spotted what could be a runaway black hole creating a trail of stars as it hurtles through space. The discovery is a rare glimpse into the chaotic world of black holes and could provide new insights into how these mysterious objects behave. The runaway black hole, which is located in a distant galaxy, appears to have been ejected from its home galaxy at high speed. As it travels through space, it is creating a trail of stars in its wake, forming a "cosmic wake" that is visible to astronomers. According to the researchers, the discovery is significant because it could help shed light on how black holes are formed and how they interact with their surrounding galaxies. Black holes are some of the most mysterious objects in the universe, and scientists are still working to understand their properties and behavior. The discovery of the runaway black hole is just the latest in a series of exciting discoveries made by the Hubble Space Telescope. From distant galaxies to the birth of stars, the telescope has provided scientists with an incredible window into the universe and has helped to shape our understanding of our place in the cosmos.

21 Apr 2023
Global News

Star Citizens

Signs of Life Beyond Earth? Dr Madhusudhan's Discovery is Shaking Up Science

Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, a professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science at Cambridge University's Institute of Astronomy, has been making waves in the scientific community with his pioneering research. Born in India in 1980, Dr. Madhusudhan completed his undergraduate education at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, and later pursued graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research focuses on the atmospheres and compositions of exoplanets and their potential to support life. The Concept of Hycean PlanetsDr. Madhusudhan is widely recognized for introducing the concept of "Hycean planets," ocean-covered worlds with hydrogen-rich atmospheres that may offer suitable conditions for life. This concept has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of potentially habitable worlds beyond Earth. K2-18b, a "sub-Neptune" exoplanet, is one such world that has been found to exhibit characteristics consistent with the Hycean planet hypothesis. The Discovery on K2-18bUsing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Dr. Madhusudhan's team detected the chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and/or dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of K2-18b. On Earth, DMS and DMDS are only produced by life, primarily microbial life such as marine phytoplankton — algae. While an unknown chemical process may be the source of these molecules in K2-18b's atmosphere, "the results are the strongest evidence yet that life may exist on a planet outside our solar system," Dr. Madhusudhan said. The James Webb Space Telescope will continue to study K2-18b, and more powerful space observatories are being planned to search for life-supporting conditions across the galaxy. Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan's pioneering research has brought us one step closer to answering the question: are we alone in the universe? As he aptly puts it, "This is a revolutionary moment. It's the first time humanity has seen potential biosignatures on a habitable planet."The Fermi Paradox and the Cosmic SilenceDr. Madhusudhan's findings also reignite interest in the age-old question known as the Fermi Paradox — if the universe is so vast and seemingly teeming with habitable planets, why haven't we encountered intelligent life? Perhaps life is abundant, but primitive; or maybe we're simply looking in the wrong way, or too early in cosmic time. The detection of a potential biosignature on K2-18b doesn't solve the paradox — but it may mark the beginning of the end of our cosmic solitude. Dr. Madhusudhan's work has opened a new chapter in the study of potentially habitable worlds, offering a tantalizing glimpse into life beyond Earth and redefining humanity's quest to understand its place in the cosmos. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, we are reminded of the profound implications of this discovery and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.Key Highlights of Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan's Achievements:- Awards and Honors:   - 2019 MERAC Prize in Theoretical Astrophysics, European Astronomical Society   - 2019 Pilkington Prize for Excellence in Teaching, University of Cambridge   - 2016 Young Scientist Medal in Astrophysics, International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP)   - 2014 Vainu Bappu Gold Medal in Astrophysics, Astronomical Society of India   - 2011 YCAA Prize Fellowship, Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Yale University, USA- Research Focus: Atmospheres and compositions of exoplanets, habitability, biosignatures, and Hycean worlds- Current Position: Professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science, University of Cambridge 

20 Apr 2025
Star Citizens

Good News

India’s 2nd Privately Developed Rocket Will Be Powered by First Domestic 3D Printed Engine

Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up is set to make its mark with the  impending launch of India's second privately developed rocket. But what sets this mission apart from the rest? It's the pioneering technology that propels it forward – the country's first-ever 3D printed engine. Founded by a team of passionate visionaries, Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and Satya Chakravarthy, in 2017, Agnikul Cosmos has been on a relentless quest to redefine India's presence in the global space arena. With a firm belief in indigenous innovation, they have meticulously developed every aspect of their rocket technology, from design to manufacturing, right here in India. Agnikul Cosmos' upcoming launch is powered by a revolutionary 3D printed engine, marking a major advancement in space technology. This innovation offers unmatched efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, breaking traditional barriers and enabling more sustainable space exploration. With localized engine production, India asserts its leadership in cutting-edge aerospace technologies. Agnikul Cosmos stated that the first stage of the three-stage Agnibaan rocket is propelled by seven Agnite engines, with each capable of producing 25 kN of thrust at sea level. They further mentioned that all of these engines are electric pump-fed engines, which allows for simplified engine design and highly configurable engine clustering architectures. According to TheHindu, Satya Chakravarthy, a professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and co-founder and advisor of Agnikul Cosmos, commented on the launch, mentioning that it would mark India's first liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket flight in the country, from the nation's first privately developed launchpad located in Sriharikota. He further added that more importantly, they would be flying their patented world's most integrated single-piece 3D printed rocket. This launch isn't the first private rocket endeavor by ISRO. Previously, the Vikram-S, developed by the four-year-old Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace, became the first private rocket to lift off from ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota in November 2022. As India inches closer to its spacefaring goals, startups like Agnikul Cosmos are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration. Their relentless pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and engineers across the nation, igniting a passion for innovation that knows no bounds.

29 Mar 2024
Good News

The Whys and Hows

Hubble and Webb Telescopes Collaborate to Capture Unprecedented Photo of the Universe

In a groundbreaking collaboration, NASA's Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes have joined forces to capture a remarkable photograph that unveils a breathtaking view of the universe. By combining visible and infrared light, the telescopes focused their lenses on the galaxy cluster MACS0416, located 4.3 billion light-years away from Earth. The resulting panchromatic image showcases a kaleidoscope of galaxies, both inside and outside the cluster, providing a vivid and unprecedented landscape of the cosmos. The colors depicted in the photograph offer intriguing insights into the distances of galaxies. Bluer galaxies, captured by the Hubble, indicate proximity and intense star formation. In contrast, redder galaxies, observed by the Webb telescope, suggest greater distance and contain cosmic dust that absorbs bluer starlight. This extraordinary collaboration also shed light on "transients," objects that exhibit significant variations in light over time. The team identified 14 transients within the field of view, some of which are highly magnified by gravitational lensing. These transients are believed to be individual stars, multiple-star systems, or supernovae. The scientific community is particularly excited about one transient nicknamed "Mothra," which is gravitationally lensed about 4,000 times. Its extreme magnification hints at the presence of an unseen foreground object. The synergistic efforts of the Hubble and Webb telescopes have provided astronomers and space enthusiasts with an unprecedented glimpse into the vastness and complexity of the universe. This remarkable image serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the endless wonders awaiting exploration in the cosmos.

16 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

Webb Space Telescope's Astonishing Image: Unraveling the Enigma of the Cosmic Question Mark in the Depths of Space

In a captivating discovery, astronomers analyzing images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have stumbled upon an intriguing phenomenon—a cosmic question mark suspended in the vastness of deep space. The enigmatic shape was observed within a high-resolution near-infrared light image of a pair of closely bound, actively-forming stars known as Herbig-Haro 46/47. Located approximately 1,470 light-years away, the question mark formation has sparked curiosity and speculation among scientists. While some experts suggest it could be a distant galaxy or a result of interacting galaxies, the precise nature and origin of this cosmic punctuation mark remain a tantalizing mystery. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), responsible for analyzing the JWST data, highlights the significance of studying Herbig-Haro 46/47. As a relatively young celestial object, only a few thousand years old, it offers valuable insights into the formation and evolution of stars. By investigating how stars accumulate mass over time, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved in the birth of stars, including our own Sun. The discovery of this cosmic question mark serves as a reminder of the countless wonders that await exploration in the vast expanse of the universe. As scientists continue to delve into the mysteries of deep space, each new revelation brings us closer to unraveling the secrets of our cosmic existence. While the question mark in deep space may raise more questions than answers, it ignites a sense of awe and wonder, inspiring further exploration and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos.

9 Aug 2023
The Whys and Hows

Einstein's Prediction Confirmed: Time Moved Slower After Big Bang, Say Scientists

Scientists have discovered that time was moving five times slower shortly after the Big Bang, confirming a prediction made by Albert Einstein over a century ago. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and their findings were published in the journal Physical Review Letters. The researchers analyzed the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the afterglow of the Big Bang. They found that the radiation was polarized in a way that indicated a slowing down of time. This effect, known as gravitational time dilation, was predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. The discovery is a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the early universe. It confirms that the laws of physics were the same shortly after the Big Bang as they are today, and it could also shed light on the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Lead author of the study, Steen Hannestad, said, "This is the first time that we have been able to measure the effect of gravitational time dilation directly. It is an evidence of the incredible precision of modern cosmology that we were able to observe this effect from the early universe." The study not only provides further evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity but also opens up new avenues for research into the early universe and the fundamental laws of physics.

12 Jul 2023
The Whys and Hows

Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe: Dark Energy Device Creates 3D Cosmic Map of 100,000 Galaxies

A team of scientists has created a 3D map of the cosmos using a "dark energy" device that can map more than 100,000 galaxies. The device, known as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), is capable of mapping the universe in unprecedented detail, providing new insights into the nature of dark energy and the expansion of the universe. The map was created by pointing DESI at a patch of sky and measuring the light given off by the galaxies within that region. By analyzing the light, the scientists were able to determine the distance to each galaxy and create a 3D map of their positions. The map represents a major breakthrough in our understanding of the universe, as it provides a detailed view of the large-scale structure of the cosmos. It also provides new insights into the nature of dark energy, which is believed to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. The DESI project is a collaboration between scientists from across the world, and has been in development for more than a decade. The team behind the project hopes that the 3D map will help to answer some of the biggest questions in cosmology, including the nature of dark energy and the structure of the universe on the largest scales. The creation of this 3D map is a major achievement for the scientific community, and represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the universe. The insights gained from this project could have profound implications for our understanding of the cosmos and the nature of dark energy.

19 Jun 2023
The Whys and Hows

Milky Way's Mysterious Filaments: Astronomers Uncover Hundreds Pointing to Black Hole at Center

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the structure of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The international team of researchers has found hundreds of filaments that point towards the center of the galaxy, providing clues about the way it was formed and how it evolved over time. The filaments, which are long, thin structures made up of gas and dust, were detected using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. The team used ALMA to observe the distribution of dust in a small region of the Milky Way's center and found that the filaments are concentrated around the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy. The discovery is significant because it suggests that the filaments may have played a role in the formation of the Milky Way. The filaments may have been the sites of star formation, which would have led to the creation of new stars and the growth of the galaxy over time. The researchers also believe that the filaments may be a sign of the ongoing growth of the Milky Way, as they are still actively forming new stars. This discovery could help astronomers better understand the evolution of galaxies and the processes that drive their growth over time.

13 Jun 2023
The Whys and Hows

Positive Reads

Beyond the Big Bang: The Ekpyrotic Universe Theory Offers a Bold New Explanation for the Origins of Our Universe

The Ekpyrotic Universe Theory is a scientific hypothesis that offers an alternative explanation for the origins of the universe. According to this theory, our universe was not created by a Big Bang, but rather originated from a collision between two higher-dimensional worlds. The theory was first proposed in the late 1990s by physicists Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok. It suggests that our universe is part of a higher-dimensional space, called a "brane," which collided with another brane billions of years ago. This collision caused a massive burst of energy and matter, leading to the formation of our universe. The Ekpyrotic Universe Theory also suggests that the universe is not infinite in size, but rather exists in a finite space. Additionally, the theory proposes that the universe undergoes a cycle of expansion and contraction, with each cycle beginning and ending with a collision between two branes. The Ekpyrotic Universe Theory has also been used to explain certain phenomena, such as the uniformity of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the distribution of galaxies in the universe. While the theory remains controversial and has yet to be definitively proven, it has attracted interest from scientists and cosmologists around the world. Some see it as a promising alternative to the Big Bang theory, which still faces many unanswered questions and challenges.

25 Mar 2023
Positive Reads

Did Life on Earth Come From the Outer World? Exploring the Fascinating Panspermia Theory

The panspermia theory is a scientific hypothesis that suggests life on Earth may have originated from microorganisms or organic materials that originated elsewhere in the universe and were transported to Earth via meteorites or other space debris. The theory has been around for centuries but gained prominence in the early 20th century with the advent of modern space exploration and the discovery of extraterrestrial materials. Proponents of the panspermia theory argue that the conditions necessary for life to arise are so specific that it is unlikely to have occurred spontaneously on Earth, and that the presence of organic molecules in space provides evidence for the theory. While the panspermia theory remains controversial and has yet to be definitively proven, there is growing evidence to suggest that it may have some basis in reality. For example, recent studies have shown that microorganisms can survive in the harsh conditions of space and could potentially survive a trip to Earth aboard a meteorite. The theory also has significant implications for our understanding of life and the universe. If life on Earth did indeed originate from elsewhere in the universe, it would suggest that the universe is teeming with life and that the possibility of extraterrestrial life is much greater than previously thought. As scientists continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, the panspermia theory is likely to remain a topic of fascination and debate. While there is still much to learn about the origins of life, the theory offers a tantalizing glimpse into the possibility of life beyond our planet.

24 Mar 2023
Positive Reads

Uncovering the Conundrum: The Dark Matter and Why Scientists Are Fascinated

Dark matter is a mysterious substance that scientists believe makes up a majority of the matter in the universe. It is called "dark" because it does not interact with light, making it invisible to telescopes and other instruments used to study the cosmos. Despite its invisibility, scientists have been able to detect the presence of dark matter through its gravitational effects on visible matter such as stars and galaxies. The gravitational pull of dark matter is responsible for holding galaxies together, and without it, galaxies would not be able to maintain their shape or rotational velocity. The exact nature of dark matter is still unknown, but scientists believe it is made up of particles that do not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation. These particles are thought to be slow-moving and have a low mass, which makes them difficult to detect. Several experiments have been conducted in an attempt to detect dark matter particles directly, but so far, none have been successful. However, scientists continue to search for evidence of dark matter and hope to learn more about its properties in the coming years. Understanding dark matter is important because it plays a crucial role in shaping the structure and evolution of the universe. By studying its effects on visible matter, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the origins and evolution of galaxies, and ultimately, the universe itself.

17 Mar 2023
Positive Reads

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