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

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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...

Quipu Superstructure: The Largest Known Structure in the Universe

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Quipu Superstructure: The Largest Known Structure in the Universe

Introduction

Astronomers have discovered the largest known structure in the universe, named Quipu, an enormous superstructure composed of galaxy clusters and cosmic filaments.

Key Characteristics

Size & Mass:

  • The Quipu superstructure stretches across 1.3 billion light-years.
  • It has a mass of 200 quadrillion solar masses.

Composition:

  • Made up of galaxy clusters, filaments, and voids.
  • It belongs to a class of superstructures, which contain multiple superclusters of galaxies.

Effects of Superstructures

Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) Disturbances

  • Superstructures like Quipu create fluctuations in the CMB, which is the leftover radiation from the Big Bang.

Impact on the Hubble Constant

  • The presence of massive superstructures distorts accurate measurements of the universe’s expansion rate.
  • This causes variations in the calculation of the Hubble Constant, leading to discrepancies in cosmic models.

Gravitational Lensing (GL) Effects

  • Gravitational lensing occurs when a superstructure bends and distorts light from background galaxies.
  • This phenomenon creates magnified or multiple images of distant objects, helping astronomers study the universe.

Significance of the Discovery

  • Challenges current models of cosmic evolution and large-scale structures.
  • Helps in understanding dark matter and dark energy.
  • Provides insight into the early formation of galaxies.


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