planetarysocietyindia

After long time for now its a wake up call from Space.As you are aware compared to last year there have been great number of asteroids i.e. space rocks entering atmosphere. This time however the scenario is different as it happened in india asking us to think and be prepared for the future. From Indonesia Asteroid What happened ? On October 8, 2009 about 03:00 Greenwich time, an atmospheric fireball blast was observed and recorded over an island region of Indonesia. The blast is thought to be due to the atmospheric entry of a small asteroid about 10 meters in diameter that, due to atmospheric pressure, detonated in the atmosphere with an energy of about 50 kilotons (the equivalent of 110 million pounds of TNT explosives). The blast was recorded visually and reported upon by local media representatives Is it media hype story or happened in reality ? A report from Elizabeth Silber and Peter Brown at the University of Western Ontario indicates that several international very-long wavelength infrasound detectors recorded the blast and fixed the position near the coastal city of Bone in South Sulawesi, island of Sulewesi. They note that the blast was in the 10 to 50 kT range with the higher end of this range being more likely. Explosion detected by Many stations across the world : In other words, the explosion was detected by many International Monitoring System (IMS) infrasound stations, five of them 10,000 km (6200 miles) away, and one 18,000 km (11,100 miles) from the blast. These stations monitor seismic waves, infrasound (low frequency soundwaves), hydroacoustic, and radionuclide emissions as part of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). They are well equipped to monitor explosions of nuclear weapons, but also detect other events such as meteorite impacts and asteroid explosions, tsunamis and earthquakes What is the Size of the Asteroid ? What was it nature ? What is the danger level such kind of asteroids? The size of aster

Homi Jehangir Bhabha, FRS (October 30, 1909 – January 24, 1966) was an Indian nuclear physicist who played a major role in the development of the Indian atomic energy program and is considered to be the father of India's nuclear program. Last year hon’ble Prime Minister of India launched Birth Centenary celebrations of this great legendry scientist. Indian Nuclear Programme : Homi Jehangir Bhabha was the visionary who conceptualized the Indian Nuclear Programme and along with a handful of Scientists initiated the nuclear science research in India in March, 1944. He envisaged the vast potential of nuclear energy and its possible successful utilization in the field of power generation and allied areas. Dr. Bhabha started working with the goal of achieving self reliance in the fields of nuclear science and engineering and todays Department of Atomic Energy which is a consortium of different and diversified fields of science and engineering is the final outcome of the farsighted planning of Dr. Bhabha. Farsightedness – Nuclear Energy for Power generation : Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, realizing the immense potential of nuclear energy as a viable alternative source for electric power generation, launched the Indian Nuclear Programme in March 1944. It was the farsightedness of Dr. Bhabha to start nuclear research in India at a time following the discovery of nuclear fission phenomena by Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassman and soon after Enrico Fermi etal from Chicago reporting the feasibility of sustained nuclear chain reactions. At that time very little information was available to the outside world about nuclear fission and sustained chain reactions and nobody was willing to subscribe to the concept of power generation based on nuclear energy. His Career – Interests : Dr. Bhabha was an astute scientist and committed engineer, a dedicated architect, a meticulous planner and a perfect executive. An ardent follower of fine arts and music, he was a philanthropist

Planetary Society, India with a view to encourage general public participation in world wide observation activity of “Galilean Nights” Project proposed by International Astronomical Union as part of UN proclaimed International Year of Astronomy requests and presents Naked eye observation of Planet Jupiter. Planet Jupiter: rising 4 minutes early than the previous day Jupiter can be spotted up till First Week of February 2010 after sunset. Presently it is the brightest object in the sky after moon. In Oct-Nov 09 Jupiter can be located high above in southern sky and setting in western sky by midnight. Dec 09 -Feb 2010 it can be found towards area of south west and West direction. Direction – Time : after sunset at around 7 p.m if one can look towards the sky above in south direction. One would find a bright star like object which is Jupiter. Using Moon from 24th – 30th October: often its difficult to spot a planet among number of stars around. However using Moon as guiding instrument from 24th-30th anyone can easily locate Jupiter. i. 24-26 towards left of moon : from 24th -26th if one can locate the moon and look left side near the moon one can find Jupiter which very bright. Importantly people can notice the decrease in distance between Jupiter and Moon as it appears from earth every following night. Here is the Sky Map for your assistance : Click on the image to see large size of Map ii. 27-30 Towards Right of Moon : whereas one would see Jupiter would appear towards right side of the moon from 27-30th Oct. Further General Public can use simulated images at www.ournewplanets.com for assistance.

On 9th October, 2009 as part of NASA'S Historic Mission to Moon “Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite ("LCROSS") and its Centaur booster rocket would have double-impact on surface of Moon. This impact on crater's floor is designed to "unearth" signs of lunar water. According to NASA the satellite and upper stage both are scheduled to hit a permanently shadowed crater of the moon called Cabeus, four minutes apart approximate time of impact would be 4:30 a.m PDT i.e. 5 P.M. Indian Standard Time on 9th October,2009. Significance : This impact event grabs all significance as it comes after Historic announcement of NASA that the Moon Mineralogy Mapper, or M3, an instrument aboard the Indian Space Research Organization's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, discovered water molecules in the polar regions of the Moon. As you know the announcement was confirmed with support of Data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft and NASA's Epoxi (originally Deep Impact Mission) spacecraft. Before we go any further here is a bit of info United Nations World Space Week 4th -10th Oct : World Space Week is an annual observance held from October 4 to October 10 established by the United Nations General Assembly to be an international celebration of science and technology and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. World Space Week is coordinated by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Society has prepared school kit, media kit regarding this impact as part of World Space Week celebrations in order promote awareness about lunar exploration and in true spirit of International Year of Astronomy 2009. Here is the Video compiled by society sourced from NASA: So What is LCROSS OR LRO ? When were they launched ? Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) are the first missions launched as part of the United State’s Vision for Space Exploration program. Launched on 18 June 2009, in conjunction

Scientists in NASA have discovered water molecules in the polar regions of the Moon. It has been said that more water has been found than was predicted by scientists. The analysis of the data by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) on board Chandrayaan-I has led to the find. The result was published in the journal, Science. Here is the video of Press Meet compiled by the society exclusively in order to share the historic announcement of Water Ice on Moon . Other parts of the Video would be uploaded in a day. What is the Moon Mineralogy Mapper? The M3 scientific instrument is a high throughput pushbroom imaging spectrometer, operating in 0.7 to 3.0 µm range. It measures solar reflected energy, using a two-dimensional Hg-Cd-Te detector array. A spectrometer is a device which is used to measure properties of light which helps to identify materials. It is a payload on board Chandrayaan-I from Brown University and Jet Propulsion Laboratory through NASA, USA. What is the role of Chandrayaan-I in this finding? Chandrayaan-I is India's first mission to the Moon. Chandrayaan-I carried the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) which is the instrument that found nearly 700 parts per million of water molecules on the Moon. M3 is an instrument provided by NASA. It was results from M3 which led scientists to re-check the information found by Cassini, Deep Impact and the samples from the Moon returned during the Apollo missions. The results were analysed jointly by Indian and American scientists jointly led by Dr. Carla Pieters of Brown University while the Indian team led by Prof. J. N. Goswami of Physical Research Laboratory, India. When did Cassini and Deep Impact look at the Moon? Deep Impact (now called Epoxi) had studied the Moon during June 2 and June 9 2009. Cassini is a spacecraft that is now studying Saturn and her Moons. Cassini studied the Moon on its way to Saturn in 2005. Both these data confirmed the finding that M3 had proposed. Image Explanation: This graph compares

When was this Comet Discovered ? A new comet which has been discovered would be the brightest comet in the sky this month. Comet C/2009 F6 (Yi-SWAN) is a long-period comet which will pass within 1.27 AU of the Sun on May 8. The comet is currently around magnitude 8.5 making it bright enough to be seen in small telescopes. Right now the nearly Full Moon will make observing the comet difficult but in a few days the Moon will not be a problem for evening observers. The comet is located north of the Sun. For southern hemisphere observers, you are out of luck. For northern observers, the comet can be observed in both the evening and morning sky. Here is the simulation showing the orbit of this Comet C/2009 F6 : Who Discovered Comet C/2009 F6 ? The comet was found by Dae-am Yi of Yeongwol-kun, Gangwon-do, South Korea on March 26. He noticed the obvious blue-green glow of a comet on 2 images he took with a Canon 5D digital camera and a 90-mm f/2.8 lens. The other discoverer was Robert Matson of Irvine, CA. Mr. Matson found the comet on a series of images taken with the SWAN instrument on the SOHO (Solar Heliospheric Observatory) spacecraft starting on March 29. The SWAN insturment images the entire sky for solar Lyman-alpha particles that are backscattered off of neutral hydrogen atoms. In this way, SWAN can monitor the activity of the far-side of the Sun. This instrument is also excellent at detecting the glow of hydrogen in the extended coma of comets. First Comet in Modern Age to named after Korean Citizen ? According to a post on the MPML mailing list by Maik Meyer, this is the 1st comet discovered by and named for a Korean citizen in the modern age. There were first sightings of comet by Koreans in the 18th century before the comets were named for their discoverers. Why then though Yi Discovered the asteroid (on 26th March) before SWAN Instrument by Robert Matson (on 4th Apr) doesn't get all the credit as lone discoverer ? This asteroid though disco

A small asteroid named 2009 FH (50 feet or 15 meters wide) buzzed past earth closely on 18-03-09. It was Discovered on 17th March, 2009. It had its closest approach to Earth at 12:17 UTC ( 5:17 a.m. PDT or 8:17 a.m. EDT) at an altitude approx. 79,000 km Following is the simulated animation of asteroid. Important: Yes ofcourse its not going to collide with earth. read about Asteroid 2009 DD45 click here and just remind yourself's of our request to nations in the last para.

Just few days ago on 26th February,09 i was discussing with Mr.Srinivas Laxman Times of India about Asteroid called Asteroid 2009 BD81. I asked him if knows of any study and tracking work going on asteroids, comets in india. Further based on our press release a good friend in Deccan Chronicle wrote an article on Asteroid 2009 BD81 (discovered on 31st Jan,09), which was published on 27th Feb,09. The article talked about how this asteroid would miss earth by 7 Million K.m. on 27th Feb,09. Another New Asteroid Discovered on 27th Feb,09 at 6.22 a.m.IST : It just surprises me. On the day the article was published about Asteroid 2009 BD81 and people might have just started reading the article in the morning sipping tea. Another new asteroid was discovered 12:24 UT ( 06:22 a.m. IST) on 27 Feb. This new asteroid is designated as K09D45D 2009 DD45 (small asteroid, Earth MOID=0.1 LD, H=25.4 ~28m) by SSS. Its size is expected to be nearly 33 meters. Will miss earth by 63,500 K.m. : Whats interesting is that this object will pass close from earth at 63,500 km at 19:14 p.m.(13.44 UTC) today (2nd March,09) evening. So it also means that we dont need to worry because its not going to impact. Can you spot this object ? Kelly Beatty says Even though it's small, likely no more than 100 feet (30 meters) across, it'll brighten to magnitude 10½ at its closest — easily within reach of an 8-inch backyard telescope Further he says this isn't the closest "near-miss" asteroidal fragment on record. According to the MPC, tiny 2004 FU162 skirted just 4,000 miles from us on March 31, 2004. Here you can see how close this asteroid will pass from earth : Click on the video to enlarged version from host site. Other related videos are suggested by Host site for which we are not responsible. If you remember my article on 7th October,08(2.45 a.m.)click here. i Just repeated the last para. Meek Surrender : Society always advocated for greater study on Asteroids. Right now n

On 10th May, 2008 Moon comes between earth and mars hiding mars for 72 minutes for the observers on earth. i.e. Planet mars disappears and reappears in the night sky because of its occultation by Moon. Or in true sense on can say moon will eclipse planet mars. This event is visible in entire India. Dissappearance – Reappearance of Planet Mars - Timings for Hyderabad : From Hyderabad people can witness the disappearance of planet mars happens at 7.57 p.m. and lasts for 72 minutes and only at 9.09 p.m. one can see mars to reappear in the sky after being eclipsed by Moon. Observe with Naked eye This Celestial can be observed with naked eye. If one like to study the features of moon or mars he would need telescope otherwise not. Direction to See: One has to look towards west direction. Society suggests people to begin their observation by spotting Planet Mars (star like object ) above Crescent Moon in the western sky at 7.15 p.m. Then wait for the time of disappearance of planet mars to be hidden by moon , only to reappear after 72 minutes.

On 10th May, 2008 Moon comes between earth and mars hiding mars for 72 minutes for the observers on earth. i.e. Planet mars disappears and reappears in the night sky because of its occultation by Moon. Or in true sense on can say moon will eclipse planet mars. This event is visible in entire India. Dissappearance – Reappearance of Planet Mars - Timings for Hyderabad : From Hyderabad people can witness the disappearance of planet mars happens at 7.57 p.m. and lasts for 72 minutes and only at 9.09 p.m. one can see mars to reappear in the sky after being eclipsed by Moon. Observe with Naked eye This Celestial can be observed with naked eye. If one like to study the features of moon or mars he would need telescope otherwise not. Direction to See: One has to look towards west direction. Society suggests people to begin their observation by spotting Planet Mars (star like object ) above Crescent Moon in the western sky at 7.15 p.m. Then wait for the time of disappearance of planet mars to be hidden by moon , only to reappear after 72 minutes.

On 10th May, 2008 Moon comes between earth and mars hiding mars for 72 minutes for the observers on earth. i.e. Planet mars disappears and reappears in the night sky because of its occultation by Moon. Or in true sense on can say moon will eclipse planet mars. This event is visible in entire India. Dissappearance – Reappearance of Planet Mars - Timings for Hyderabad : From Hyderabad people can witness the disappearance of planet mars happens at 7.57 p.m. and lasts for 72 minutes and only at 9.09 p.m. one can see mars to reappear in the sky after being eclipsed by Moon. Observe with Naked eye This Celestial can be observed with naked eye. If one like to study the features of moon or mars he would need telescope otherwise not. Direction to See: One has to look towards west direction. Society suggests people to begin their observation by spotting Planet Mars (star like object ) above Crescent Moon in the western sky at 7.15 p.m. Then wait for the time of disappearance of planet mars to be hidden by moon , only to reappear after 72 minutes.

Last few days we were busy with sky observation, lecture activities for World Space Week 2008. After two clear night skies in last two days - today it rained heavily in Hyderabad. So our plans for another sky observation are also washed. Its 2.45 a.m. on 7th October,08 and i am writing a post to share one very interesting news about an Asteroid. A Hour ago i just checked in mail box to find a press release from "Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics". Small Asteroid - Discovered : On 6th Oct,08 it seems a Tiny asteroid was discovered at Arizona observatory just hours ago. Size of the Asteroid - No Threat : The size of asteroid is between 3 and 15 feet (1-5 m) in diameter. There is no danger to people or property since the asteroid will not reach the ground i.e., it is expected to burn up in the upper atmosphere, well above aircraft heights. A brilliant fireball will be visible as a result. Dr. Timothy Spahr, director of the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center said "We want to stress that this object is not a threat," Fireball to be visible in Sudan at 2.46 UT on 7th Oct,2008: For this let us first understand the secret of the glow in sky ...which we otherwise call as shooting star.... in general language. When a meteoroid (small asteroid) enters the atmosphere, it compresses the air in front of it. That compression heats the air, which in turn heats the object, causing it to glow and vaporize. Once it starts to glow, the object is called a meteor. So this asteroid would produce a meteor (known as shooting star in layman's language) is expected to be visible from eastern Africa as an extremely bright fireball traveling rapidly across the sky from northeast to southwest. The object is expected to enter the atmosphere over northern Sudan at a shallow angle. Note: Its a fact that a typical meteor comes from an object the size of a grain of sand. So just imagine this meteor which comes from nearly 6 meter Asteroid. Here is the

Freinds, Since morning today we have been in receipt of request from friends, general public regarding Moon. Without talking much we thought we upload these images and help people to come to conclusion of any sort. Anyways with it policy of "Respecting the Beliefs of people" in mind society here presents this exclusive presentation. And importantly like to convey it wishes for Holy Ramadhan. Sky as on 30th September, 2008. Please Click on the Images to see larger View or Stop it for One by One slow Image View. Sky as on 1st October, 2008. Please Click on the Images to see larger View or Stop it for One by One slow Image View. Note: Freinds this month on 17th Oct,2008 society will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. We request your support to strengthen us..

Few minutes before Midnight on 16th August 2008 the last eclipse of year or last lunar eclipse of the year would occur. As seen from earth Moon enters penumbra (lighter shadow) of earth at 11.53 p.m. on 16th August, 2008. Then by 1.06 a.m. on 17th August,2008 you will notice moon moving into the umbra (Darker part of earth's shadow). At 4.15 a.m. moon will leave the umbra. Whereas finally eclipse ends at 5.27 a.m. when moon leaves the penumbra of earth. Moon enters penumbra 11.53 p.m. on 16th Aug,08 Moon enters umbra 1.06 a.m. on 17th Aug, 08 Moon leaves umbra 4.15 a.m. on 17th Aug, 08 Moon leaves penumbra 5.27 a.m. on 17th Aug, 08 For details on How Lunar Eclipse occurs kindly click here to see our article for 21st February, 2008. Animation 1 The above animation moves very slowly to give you feel of actual lunar eclipse. so be patient. Animation 2 of Lunar Eclipse For Schools : The file size of animations, powerpoints and other material is 100 mb. On request of school managements a Compact Disk C.D. would be provided for conducting awareness session in the class room. Further if need be resource persons/volunteers would be sent on request. For more details contact: info@planetarysocietyindia.org.

Total Solar Eclipse will occur on 1st August, 2008. This is last Solar Eclipse of the Year. This Eclipse will be visible in the region covering northern and eastern parts of North America, Greenland, northern Europe and Asia except Japan. In Indian Standard Time (IST) the different phases of Eclipse begins at 1.34 noon and end at 6.08 p.m. in the evening. The Central Phase of Eclipse begins at 2. 52 p.m. and Ends at 4.50 p.m. whereas the greatest eclipse occurs at 3.51 p.m. The duration of Total Phase of Eclipse is for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. In India - Partially Visible: Northern part of the country would witness approximately 60-65% of Sun disk obscured by moon, whereas as seen from southern part of the country around 30% of disk is obscured during the period of eclipse by moon (which comes in between sun and earth). Other Places : for timings of eclipse in various states across the country Click Here In Hyderabad: For people in Hyderabad can witness this eclipse partially though, when partial phase as seen from Hyderabad begins at 4.30 p.m. while it ends at 6.06 p.m. Above Video of Solar Eclipse as seen from Hyderabad, India. This video shows you Solar Eclipse (partial phase) on 1st August, 2008 as visible from india and neighboring countries. This Video shows the shadow of moon passing through different countries. See India is under lighter side of shadow. How to Watch Solar Eclipse safely ? Click Here Yes what you are seeing is right (above image is Courtesy NASA) ! With much talked "Solar Filter" available at a cost and controversies about quality. The most and better option is indirect method of observation i.e. projection. Led by N.Sri Raghunandan Kumar In the past society was in forefront in distribution of special googles fitted with Certified Solar Filters provided by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) Govt of India. However increase in cost of Certified Filter leading to enormous inc

A Press Conference was conducted by the Society on 9th July, 2008. Prof. Vivekananda Rao, HOD,Director, Dept. of Astronomy, Prof.G.Yellaiah, Dept. of Astronomy along with Founder Secretary N.Sri Raghunandan Kumar addressed the media. In Quick Brief to this Long Article - Here is list of Events on which the meet was held. 1. Jupiter Opposition on 9th July, 2008 2. Jupiter being closest to Earth on 10th July, 2008 3. Saturn Mars conjunction on 10th July, 2008 4. Earth at aphelion to Sun on 4th July, 2008. Jupiter Opposition : An Opposition occurs when the planet is opposite from the Sun relative to the Earth. At Opposition the planet will rise as the Sun sets and will set as the Sun rises providing an entire night of observation. Also at Opposition the planet comes physically closest to the Earth in it’s orbit so it appears as large as possible. On 9th July, 2008 Jupiter is at opposition. Position of Planet Earth and Jupiter as seen from above : Hence Planet Earth was at Opposition to Jupiter and Sun at 1.09 noon on 9th July, 2008. It would be Closest to earth on 10th July, 2008 at a distance of 4.1610 AU. How to Locate Jupiter : In the Evening : One Hour after Sunset (by this time Jupiter be sufficiently up above Horizon clearing buildings/trees etc.) One has to look towards South East Direction for spotting Jupiter which appears like bright Non twinkling Star. However that is not a star but planet because Planets do not twinkle but just reflect Sun’s Light. In Midnight for Night Owls: This more appropriate time for telescope observers as Jupiter can be found high above Southern Horizon. In Morning for Morning Walkers: Morning walkers can spot Jupiter in South Western Sky one hour before Sun Rise. Jupiter as Seen from Earth in Night sky : Jupiter Opposition Campaign 2008 : JUPITER OBSERVATION CAMPAIGN : As a Prelude to International Year of Astronomy society announced launch of Jupiter Opposition Campaign. Followi

Conjunction of Planet Mars and Saturn : On 10th July Saturn and Mars are at Conjunction. i.e. As seen from earth in the western sky they appear to be very close to one another. If one observed the Sky in the beginning of year one could spot Planet Mars in the background of Stars in the Constellation of Cancer. And Saturn in the Constellation of Leo the lion. However as seen from earth (kindly see the animation) one can see that Planet Mars is moving in the background of Stars in the Constellation of Leo the Lion. Where already Planet Saturn is found. On 10th of July Mars would be in conjunction to Saturn at 6.11 p.m. Further it would be just 0.7 degree south of Planet Saturn and if one can not over next few days/months to come it can be found to moving into background of different constellations like Virgo etc.. This alignment of Planet Mars and Saturn will not happen this close until year 2022. How to Observe/Direction: After Sun Set if one looks toward the Western sky one can find two non twinkling bright stars like points. They are Planet Mars and Saturn. Whether Telescope Needed ? Naked Eye : If Skies are clear. Spotting of Planet Jupiter can be done with greater ease as it would be shining all through the night rising from South Eastern sky and Setting in South western Sky. Being far way Saturn and Mars can be spotted with little difficultly among other stars in the sky. However they would be visible like non twinkling tiny points in Western Sky. With Telescope to Appreciate Finest Features : However if one likes to study and appreciate the detailed view of above planets then they would require a astronomical telescope. Even View from Binocular would be splendid. Earth at Aphelion : At beginning of the Year Planet Earth was at Perihelion. i.e. in its orbit (ellipse or Egg shaped) or it was at nearest point to sun during course of it journey around Sun. Presently on 4th July, 2008 Earth was at aphelion. That it is at

On 10th May, 2008 Moon comes between earth and mars hiding mars for 72 minutes for the observers on earth. i.e. Planet mars disappears and reappears in the night sky because of its occultation by Moon. Or in true sense on can say moon will eclipse planet mars. This event is visible in entire India. Dissappearance – Reappearance of Planet Mars - Timings for Hyderabad : From Hyderabad people can witness the disappearance of planet mars happens at 7.57 p.m. and lasts for 72 minutes and only at 9.09 p.m. one can see mars to reappear in the sky after being eclipsed by Moon. Observe with Naked eye This Celestial can be observed with naked eye. If one like to study the features of moon or mars he would need telescope otherwise not. Direction to See: One has to look towards west direction. Society suggests people to begin their observation by spotting Planet Mars (star like object ) above Crescent Moon in the western sky at 7.15 p.m. Then wait for the time of disappearance of planet mars to be hidden by moon , only to reappear after 72 minutes.

Planetary Society, India in true spirit of International Year of Planet Earth greatly supports “Hyderabad Unplug” and all such people initiatives. As part of its initiative to encourage society presents the night sky with two planets, prominent constellations as seen from Hyderabad on 3rd May, 2008 from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Click on The Images to See Larger Version. Planet Saturn above your Head : at 7.30 p.m. tomorrow if one looks above his head one can find Three star like objects . One among them downwards towards East direction is Saturn. Planet Mars: For Planet Mars one has to look towards Western direction. Another View of Mars : How to differentiate planets from stars? Star being self luminous bodies twinkle whereas planets don’t twinkle but shine with steady light. Constellations: One can easily find the “Big Dipper” also known as Saptharishi mandal towards northern sky. “Orion” the hunter can be seen towards western sky. General public can also see “Sirius” brightest star in south west direction. Further one can see “Canopus” also known as agatsya tara twinkling in sourthern sky.

PSLV Successfully Launches Ten Satellites In its thirteenth flight conducted from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, today (April 28, 2008), ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C9, successfully launched the 690 kg Indian remote sensing satellite CARTOSAT-2A, the 83 kg Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1) and eight nanosatellites for international customers into a 637 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). PSLV-C9 in its ‘core alone’ configuration launched ten satellites with a total weight of about 820 kg. After the final count down, PSLV-C9 lifted off from the second launch pad at SDSC SHAR, at 09:24 Hrs IST with the ignition of the core first stage. The important flight events included the separation of the first stage, ignition of the second stage, separation of the heatshield at about 125 km altitude after the vehicle had cleared the dense atmosphere, second stage separation, third stage ignition, third stage separation, fourth stage ignition and fourth stage cut-off. The 690 kg main payload, CARTOSAT-2A, was the first satellite to be injected into orbit at 885 seconds after lift-off at an altitude of 637 km. About 45 seconds later, Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1) was separated after which all the nano satellites were separated in sequence. The initial signals indicate normal health of the satellites. CARTOSAT-2A CARTOSAT-2A is a state-of-the art remote sensing satellite with a spatial resolution of about one metre and swath of 9.6 km. The satellite carries a panchromatic camera (PAN) capable of taking black-and-white pictures in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum. The highly agile CARTOSAT-2A is steerable along as well as across the direction of its movement to facilitate imaging of any area more frequently. Soon after separation from PSLV fourth stage, the two solar panels of CARTOSAT-2A were automatically deployed. The satellite’s health is continuously monitored from the Spacecraft Control Centre at Banga