In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
Discovery of Sub-Saturn Exoplanet Using PARAS-2 Spectrograph
Introduction to the Discovery
- Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), India, have discovered a new dense exoplanet using the PARAS-2 Spectrograph at Mt Abu Telescope.
- The newly found exoplanet falls in the Sub-Saturn category, which is a transition region between Neptune-like and gas giant planets.
Understanding PARAS-2 Spectrograph
- PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial velocity Abu Sky Search) Spectrograph is an advanced high-resolution fiber-fed spectrograph.
- It is designed to analyze light from distant exoplanets to determine their composition, atmosphere, and movement.
- It is currently Asia’s highest-resolution spectrograph, ensuring high precision and sensitivity.
Role of Spectrographs in Exoplanet Discovery
- A spectrograph is an instrument that breaks down light into its spectrum, helping scientists analyze planetary atmospheres, star compositions, and orbital patterns.
- Using Doppler shift measurements, scientists detect the presence of exoplanets by observing their influence on their host stars.
Significance of This Discovery
- This discovery expands our understanding of exoplanetary formation and evolution.
- It confirms that India’s advancements in astronomy and observational technology are competing at a global level.
- The Sub-Saturn exoplanet bridges the gap between Neptune-sized planets and gas giants, helping astronomers understand planetary classification and development.
Future Prospects
- The discovery paves the way for further space explorations and study of habitable exoplanets.
- The PARAS-2 Spectrograph will continue contributing to detecting new exoplanets with greater accuracy.
- This achievement strengthens India's position in global space research and its role in the search for Earth-like planets.