Skip to main content

🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

By
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...

Gravitational Lensing Explained: Discovery of Hidden Stars Behind Galaxy Clusters

Image
By

Gravitational Lensing (GL)

  1. Recent Discovery

    • Physicists at Durham University, UK, discovered over 44 unknown stars behind a galaxy cluster using gravitational lensing.
    • The stars were observed as they existed 8 billion years ago, during the universe's "cosmic noon."

  2. What is Gravitational Lensing?

    • Gravitational lensing occurs when a massive object (e.g., a galaxy cluster) bends and magnifies light from distant objects behind it.
    • The effect acts like a cosmic magnifying glass, revealing distant, faint celestial objects.

  3. Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity

    • Mass causes spacetime to curve, and light follows the curvature of spacetime.
    • When light passes near a massive object, it bends due to the object’s gravitational pull.

  4. Visual Effects of Gravitational Lensing

    • Arcs and Rings: The bending of light can create arcs or complete rings (called Einstein rings) around the massive object.
    • Multiple Images: It can also produce multiple images of the same background object.

  5. Recent Study Details

    • Researchers observed a distant galaxy named the "Dragon Arc," located behind the Abell 370 galaxy cluster.
    • The cluster's gravitational field distorted and stretched the shape of the Dragon Arc.

  6. Discovery of Hidden Stars

    • Using the magnified light from the Dragon Arc, scientists identified over 44 previously undetected stars.
    • These observations help study star formation during the early universe.

  7. Applications of Gravitational Lensing

    • Dark Matter Mapping: It helps in mapping the distribution of dark matter in the universe.
    • Studying Distant Galaxies: Magnification allows telescopes like Hubble and James Webb to observe faraway galaxies.
    • Cosmic Expansion: It aids in studying the universe’s expansion and understanding cosmological phenomena.

  8. Importance for Astronomy

    • Gravitational lensing plays a crucial role in expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.
    • It enables scientists to see objects beyond the standard observational range of telescopes.

Conclusion:
Gravitational lensing is a powerful tool that magnifies distant celestial objects, revealing hidden stars and galaxies. The recent discovery by Durham University highlights its importance in understanding the early universe and cosmic phenomena.

 

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

By
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...
Read more

IN-SPACe CANSAT & Model Rocketry India Student Competition 2024–25: A Giant Leap for Student Innovation

By
In a remarkable step towards strengthening India’s STEM education framework, the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), has launched the IN-SPACe CANSAT and Model Rocketry India Student Competition 2024–25 . This unique competition is crafted for undergraduate students across India, providing them with an opportunity to engage in experiential learning through the design, fabrication, and launch of CANSATs—can-sized satellites—using model rocketry platforms. The event held on June 14, 2025 , in Tamkuhi Raj, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh , was not a full-fledged rocket launch carrying an actual payload. Instead, it served as a critical site and systems validation test in preparation for the upcoming national student competition. This test focused on ensuring the readiness of launch site infrastructure, safety protocols, telemetry systems, and track...
Read more

A Deep Dive into ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission

By
As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) advances steadily towards launching its maiden human spaceflight mission — Gaganyaan — the emphasis on spaceflight safety has never been more crucial. India is on the brink of joining an elite group of nations capable of sending humans to space, and ISRO is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that every stage of the mission, from liftoff to landing, adheres to global safety standards. Gaganyaan is poised to become a landmark achievement in India’s space exploration journey. It aims to send three astronauts into low Earth orbit (LEO) for up to seven days. While this initial mission is not intended to dock with any space station, the selected crew is being familiarized with docking procedures , a forward-thinking move that prepares them for potential future missions involving orbital rendezvous and space station docking . Ensuring astronaut safety is a complex, multilayered process involving extensive planning, rigorous testing, and ...
Read more

India’s Electric Hansa (E-HANSA): Pioneering Green Aviation with Indigenous Technology

By
India has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to revolutionize its aviation training sector with the development of the Electric Hansa (E-HANSA) —a next-generation, two-seater electric trainer aircraft developed indigenously by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) in Bengaluru. Announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during a high-level monthly review meeting, this initiative places India firmly on the global map for sustainable and green aviation technologies . E-HANSA: A Leap Toward Green Aviation The E-HANSA aircraft is India's foray into electric aircraft development , aligning closely with national and global goals for carbon neutrality and clean energy adoption . As the world shifts towards climate-friendly technologies, the aviation industry—a traditionally high-emission sector—is witnessing a paradigm shift. The E-HANSA is expected to serve as a flagship electric trainer aircraft , integrating eco-friend...
Read more

The Evolution of the Computer Mouse: A Journey Through Innovation

By
The Evolution of the Computer Mouse: A Journey Through Innovation The computer mouse, a humble yet revolutionary input device, has undergone tremendous evolution since its inception. From bulky mechanical rollers to sleek, wireless, and AI-powered peripherals, the journey of the mouse reflects the rapid advancements in computing technology. In this article, we will explore the history, development, and future of the computer mouse while highlighting key innovations along the way. 1. The Birth of the Mouse (1960s) The first computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964 at the Stanford Research Institute. It was made of wood and had a single button, with a system of wheels for detecting motion. The invention was demonstrated in 1968 in the famous "Mother of All Demos." Engelbart envisioned the mouse as part of a broader interactive computing system to enhance productivity. Key Features of Early Mice: Wooden casing Two metal wheels for movement A single button ...
Read more

Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025: India Among the Most Affected Nations

By
Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025: India Among the Most Affected Nations Introduction to Climate Risk Index (CRI) The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 is a globally recognized measure that ranks countries based on their vulnerability to extreme weather events over a defined period. This index assesses the impact of climate-related disasters such as floods, storms, heatwaves, and droughts. It serves as a critical indicator of how climate change affects human lives and economies across different regions. The CRI 2025 , published by German-watch , highlights India's growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters. India has been ranked as the 6th most affected country during 1993-2022 , highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Key Findings of CRI 2025 India's Climate Vulnerability India faced over 400 extreme weather events between 1993 and 2022 . The economic losses due to these disasters exceeded USD 180 billion . The death toll from climate-r...
Read more