Space Exploration: Are We Truly Alone in the Universe?

 

In the infinite expanse of the universe, human curiosity has always been deeply immersed in the search for extraterrestrial life. These wonderful mysteries include distant planets like K2-18b, unknown events like UFOs, and scientific questions like the Fermi Paradox, which compel us to think whether we are alone in this vast space or not. All three of these subjects are filled with a blend of scientific investigation and imagination, expanding the boundaries of human knowledge.

K2-18b is an extremely exciting planet in the world of astronomy, which scientists identify as a 'Hycean World'. This word is formed by the combination of Hydrogen and Ocean, suggesting that a vast ocean may lie beneath the thick hydrogen-rich atmosphere of this planet. Possessing a mass approximately 8.6 times that of Earth, this planet is situated at such an appropriate distance from its Red Dwarf star that the temperature there is capable of maintaining water in liquid form. In observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope, the presence of Methane and Carbon Dioxide has been noted, which further strengthens the possibility of water's existence on this planet.

However, there is still a difference of opinion among scientists regarding biological signals (Bio-signatures) like Dimethyl Sulphide, as strong evidence for it has not been found in deep studies conducted after the primary hints. Apart from this, due to the massive size of this planet, the Atmospheric Pressure and internal heat there could be so high that it might prove unfavorable for Earth-like life. Nevertheless, this planet, which completes an orbit of its star in 33 days, is very important for understanding what other forms of life can flourish in the universe besides Earth. In the future, it is hoped that secrets of its surface and atmosphere will be revealed more clearly through sophisticated instruments like the MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument).

Artist's Impression of Exoplanet K2-18b - NASA Science

Unknown celestial events, now known in scientific terminology as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), have long been a subject of mystery and curiosity. Organizations like the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), established by the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), have investigated thousands of reports over the last few years. These investigations have found that most of the events are responsible for common causes, such as modern Drones, Weather Balloons, Commercial Aircraft, or natural physical phenomena occurring in the celestial atmosphere. However, in some cases, looking at the motion and physics-defying movements (Defying laws of physics) of objects, they seem different from standard technology, but so far no official report has found concrete evidence of these events being linked to Extraterrestrial civilizations.

Recently, the order given by the US President to make UFO files public (Declassification) has raised a new hope of transparency worldwide. The main objective of this step is to remove doubts related to National Security and bring the truth before the public. From a scientific point of view, these events are not limited only to the search for extraterrestrials, but they are also essential for understanding Air Force security and testing of new technologies. Even if most of the cases so far have proven to be human error or known technology, these investigations still give a new direction to science and provide an opportunity to understand the unknown aspects of the universe around us.

UFO Drawings from the National Archives

The Fermi Paradox is one of the most profound mysteries of the universe, which was presented by the famous physicist Enrico Fermi in 1950. The main question of this paradox is that if there are billions of stars and millions of habitable (Habitable) planets like Earth in our universe, then why have we not come into contact with any Extraterrestrial Civilization yet? Scientists have presented many interesting theories in answer to this question. In which the concept of the 'Great Filter' is the most discussed, which suggests that some such obstacle or destructive event comes in the path of evolution that destroys civilizations before they spread into the universe. This filter could perhaps be in the past (such as the beginning of life being extremely difficult) or it could be in the future (such as nuclear war or environmental destruction).

Apart from this, according to the 'Zoo Hypothesis', advanced extraterrestrial civilizations may be aware of our presence, but they view us from a distance like a zoo and deliberately avoid contact so as not to interfere with our development. On the other hand, the 'Dark Forest Theory' expresses a fear that the universe is like a predatory forest, where every civilization remains silent and hidden for its own safety, because revealing one's existence can be like inviting destruction from another powerful civilization. Some scientists also believe that we may have been born very early (Early Birds) in the universe and civilizations may still be developing elsewhere. This paradox is still unsolved, but it provides constant inspiration to organizations like SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) to find radio signals and technical signs (Techno-signatures).

Motionographer® The Fermi Paradox

Solving the deep mysteries of the universe is not an easy task, but with the help of modern Scientific Advancement and continuous observations, we are gradually moving closer to the truth. The search for water and atmosphere on distant planets like K2-18b gives us hope that Habitable Conditions can exist besides Earth. On the other hand, serious investigation of UAP (UFO) appearing in Earth's sky increases our ability to test reality and inspires us to find Empirical Evidence instead of superstition or imagination.

The combination of all these explorations, along with the Fermi Paradox, asks us a profound philosophical and scientific question: what is our place in this infinite expanse of the universe? Are we really alone (The Loneliness of Humanity) or has our technology not yet developed enough to contact other civilizations? The combination of these three subjects is a symbol of that inexhaustible human curiosity which inspires us to fight against unknown fears and move towards constant New Discoveries. As our telescopic and space technology improves, the curtains of these mysteries will gradually open.

Planet Parade 2026: A Rare Grand Alignment of 6 Planets on February 28

 

            On February 28, 2026, an extremely rare and spectacular astronomical event is set to occur in the sky, known as a 'Planet Parade' or 'Planetary Alignment.' On this day, 6 planets of our solar system will be visible in a straight line (alignment) in the sky.

The complete details of this event are as follows:

1. Which 6 planets will be visible?

The following planets will participate in this parade:

Mercury

Venus

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

2. When is the best time to watch?

            The best time to witness this event is 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. On the evening of February 28, once the sun has set, this view can be seen by looking towards the West-South direction.

3. How can it be viewed? (Visibility)

            Viewing all the planets together can be a bit challenging because some planets will be very bright while others will be quite faint:

Naked Eye: Venus and Jupiter will appear the brightest in the sky, making them easy to identify. Saturn and Mercury may also be visible to the naked eye as they will be near the horizon, but a perfectly clear sky is necessary for this.

Binoculars or Telescope: Since Uranus and Neptune are very far from Earth, you will need good binoculars or a telescope to see them.

Special Tips for Observation:

Location: Choose a spot where the western horizon is clearly visible, without obstruction from tall buildings or trees.

Pollution: This view will be much better from a dark place away from city light pollution.

Order: These planets will be arranged in a line from West to South. Mercury, Venus, and Saturn will be very close to the horizon, while Jupiter will be seen slightly higher in the sky.

            This is a rare coincidence because every planet has a different orbit, and their alignment in a single row is a very exciting event for science and astronomy enthusiasts.

Is Our Universe Just a Bubble? The Fascinating World of Inflation Theory

 

Is Our Universe Just a Bubble? The Fascinating World of Inflation Theory

To understand the origin and early development of the universe, Cosmic Inflation—pioneered primarily by Alan Guth—is a revolutionary idea in science. According to this theory, in the very initial moments of the Big Bang, when the age of the universe was less than a billionth of a billionth of a second, it underwent a process in which its size increased at an inconceivable rate. This expansion was so rapid that its velocity exceeded the speed of light. While the laws of physics state that no object can travel faster than light, in this case, it was not an object but Space itself that was expanding, which is scientifically possible. This inflation is believed to be driven by a mysterious energy called the Inflaton Field, which generated a repulsive force opposite to gravity, expanding the universe from a size smaller than an atom to the size of a football, and then to a vast scale, in a tiny fraction of a second.

This theory answers several complex questions about the existence of the universe that the standard Big Bang theory could not. For example, if we look at opposite ends of the universe with a telescope, we observe that the temperature and density on both sides are almost identical. In science, this is known as the Horizon Problem. Normally, this would only be possible if those two parts had once been in contact and exchanged energy. Inflation theory explains that before this expansion, the universe was so small that all energy and temperature were mixed together, and then the sudden expansion spread this uniformity across the entire universe. Furthermore, our universe appears geometrically Flat, which is called the Flatness Problem. This is nearly impossible to explain without this theory; just as a small curved balloon appears flat to an ant when it is blown up to a massive size, the sudden expansion of the universe erased its curvature, making it appear flat.

The origins of the galaxies, stars, and planets we see in the universe today are also hidden within this inflation. According to Quantum Physics, there are constant fluctuations in energy at an infinitesimal level, called Quantum Fluctuations. During inflation, these microscopic fluctuations were stretched across the entire universe to become massive. When inflation stopped, these energy variations transformed into matter. Where the energy was slightly higher, gravity caused gases and matter to accumulate, eventually forming galaxies over time. Thus, Inflation Theory explains not only the size of the universe but also its structure and composition. Strong evidence for this theory is found in the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB), which is the afterglow of the Big Bang and is spread uniformly throughout the universe.

The most exciting and surprising conclusion of Inflation Theory is the possibility of a Multiverse, meaning the existence of multiple universes. Scientists believe that if cosmic inflation can start once, it may never completely stop. According to this school of thought, the region where our universe is located saw inflation stop, allowing stars and planets to form, but inflation may still be ongoing in other parts of space. This process is called Eternal Inflation, in which new Bubble Universes are constantly being created in infinite space. Our universe might be just one of these countless bubbles, like a tiny bubble floating in a vast ocean.

According to this multiverse hypothesis, the laws of physics in each universe could be different. In one universe, gravity might be extremely strong, while in another, it might be very weak; the speed of light or even the direction of time could differ. This theory also suggests that if the number of universes is infinite, it is possible that in another universe, there is a person who looks exactly like you, or another planet like Earth where history was written differently. However, these universes are so far apart that we can never reach them or contact them, because the space between them is expanding faster than the speed of light. Thus, the Multiverse remains a very strong scientific hypothesis based on the equations of mathematics and physics.

The Mystery of Ribose: Seeds of Life from the Cosmos!

 

Where did the spark of life first ignite in the vast darkness of the universe? This question has haunted scientists for centuries. However, a discovery by NASA announced in December 2025 has lifted the veil from this mystery. In the samples brought from the surface of Asteroid Bennu, sugars considered the foundation of life have been found, which could rewrite the entire story of life’s arrival on Earth.

1. Samples from Bennu and Historical Research

Dr. Yoshihiro Furukawa of Tohoku University, Japan, and his team conducted a microscopic analysis of the 121.6 grams of samples brought to Earth by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission. In these samples, which landed on 24 September 2023, scientists discovered 'Ribose' (a 5-carbon sugar) and 'Glucose' (a 6-carbon sugar). This is the first time in history that sugar has been found in samples directly brought from an extraterrestrial body.

2. 'RNA World': The Cosmic Swiss Army Knife

This discovery provides strong support to the 'RNA World Hypothesis'. Scientists believe that before DNA and proteins existed, there was an era of RNA on Earth.

·         Versatile Role: Just as a Swiss Army Knife contains many tools, RNA could store Genetic Information and also act as a Catalyst for chemical reactions.

·         The Missing Link: Amino Acids and Nucleobases had already been found on Bennu; now, with the discovery of Ribose, the entire 'Molecular Toolkit' for creating RNA is complete. Interestingly, Ribose was found but Deoxyribose (a part of DNA) was not, proving that RNA likely came first.

3. Convergence of Ancient Knowledge and Modern Science

Regarding the origin of life, our Charaka Samhita mentions the Panchamahabhuta (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space). Modern science also states that we are made of Stardust (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, etc.). The journey from the famous Miller-Urey Experiment of 1953 to today's asteroid research shows that the formation of Organic Molecules from inorganic matter is a natural process of the universe.

4. Methodology: Searching for Chemical Signatures

Dr. Furukawa's team used the highly complex Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) method. The samples were dissolved in liquid, heated into vapor, and the weight of each molecule and its 'Retention Time' were measured. This analysis proved that Ribose has been preserved and remains Chemically Active on Bennu for billions of years.

5. Pioneers of Science: Furukawa and Lauretta

The hard work of two great scientists lies behind this success:

·         Dr. Yoshihiro Furukawa: Who has been studying how life’s molecules are formed by recreating space-like conditions in the laboratory since 2009.

·         Dr. Dante Lauretta: The Principal Investigator of the OSIRIS-REx mission, who struggled for 7 years to prepare NASA for this mission.

6. Future Direction: A Blessing or a Curse?

The discovery of Bennu is not just history; it is a roadmap for the future:

·         Synthetic Biology: Scientists are now creating synthetic RNA in labs, which could revolutionize cancer treatment and the development of new vaccines in the future.

·         Risks: The creation of Biological Weapons or damage to global Biodiversity are also risks associated with this technology.

Conclusion:

Asteroid Bennu teaches us that life is perhaps not just Earth's own invention, but a collective creation of the entire universe. If the seeds of life are scattered across space, then we can never be alone in this infinite cosmos.

The Milky Way: Exploring Our Grand Cosmic Neighborhood

 

        Our universe is filled with countless mysteries, and our own cosmic address is 'Mandakini' (The Milky Way). From a scientific perspective, the Milky Way is not just a cluster of stars, but an extremely complex, living, and dynamic system.

1. Structure and Dimensions

        The Milky Way consists of approximately 100 Billion stars and vast Nebulae. To an observer in space, it appears as a 'Spiral' galaxy.

• Shape: Viewed from the top, it looks like a rotating wheel (disk), but from the side, it resembles a flattened disc or a puffed-up 'puri'.
• Diameter: Approximately 100,000 Light-years.
• Central Bulge: The thickness of the Milky Way’s center is about 15,000 light-years, where the density of stars is highest.
• Sun's Location: Our Sun is an average star located in the 'Orion Arm', about 30,000 light-years away from the center. At the Sun's position, the galaxy is about 2,500 light-years thick.

2. Spiral Arms and Star Formation

        The most striking feature of the Milky Way is its Spiral Arms. These arms are actually dense bands of gas and dust wrapped around the center.

• Star Nursery: These arms contain extremely hot blue stars and clouds of Ionized Hydrogen. Due to gravity, these gas clouds collapse, giving birth to new stars.
• Major Arms: Our galaxy has major arms like Sagittarius, Perseus, Cygnus, and Orion. These arms are typically 10,000 light-years long and 500 light-years wide.

3. Galactic Rotation and Dynamics

        The Milky Way is not stationary in space; it is constantly rotating on its axis. This motion is not like a 'Solid Body' but varies according to the distance from the center.

• Orbital Speed: At the Sun's location, it orbits the center at a speed of approximately 210 km/s.
• Cosmic Year: It takes the Sun about 220 to 250 million years (22 to 25 crore years) to complete one orbit around the galactic center. This period is known as a 'Cosmic Year'. Since its birth, the Sun has completed about 30 such orbits.
• Changing Constellations: Due to this rotation, the relative positions of stars change over millions of years. Because of this, constellations like Ursa Major (Saptarshi) looked different thousands of years ago and will change again in the future.

4. Stellar Populations

        Scientists have classified stars into two main categories based on their age and chemical composition:

• Population I: These are young stars, rich in 'metal' elements. They are primarily found in the Spiral Arms. Our Sun belongs to this category.
• Population II: These are ancient, older stars. They are found in the Central Bulge and the surrounding Galactic Halo. Stars in the halo do not participate in the galaxy's rotation.

5. The Galactic Center and Black Hole

        According to modern research, a powerful Supermassive Black Hole exists at the center of the Milky Way, known as 'Sagittarius A' (Sgr A)**.

 Conclusion

        The Milky Way is not just a collection of stars but a vast and wonderful system. It continuously produces new stars and contributes to the evolution of the universe. As science advances, Radio Telescopes are providing us with clearer information about this magnificent stellar world.

Matter and Antimatter: The Cosmic Twins

 

Our surrounding universe is as vast as it is mysterious. In the world of science, there are two aspects that are both complementary and arch-enemies—Matter and Antimatter. In this article, we will dive deep into this incredible subject.

1. Basic Understanding: Matter and its "Shadow" World

Our bodies, the Earth, the Sun, and the stars are all composed of Matter. An atom of matter consists of protons, electrons, and neutrons. However, in nature, every particle has a corresponding Anti-particle.

Antimatter looks and behaves exactly like matter, but its electrical charges are completely reversed. For example, the anti-particle of an electron is the 'Positron', which carries a positive charge. When these two meet, they annihilate each other and transform into pure energy. This process is known as Annihilation.

2. A Discovery Born from Mathematics

The discovery of antimatter didn't happen by accident in a lab; it was born from mathematical equations.

                                                         Paul Dirac

                 

• 1928 Prediction: British physicist Paul Dirac wrote an equation (The Dirac Equation) which proved that a "mirror world" must exist in nature.
• 1932 Proof: While studying cosmic rays, American scientist Carl Anderson actually discovered the 'Positron'. This discovery sent shockwaves through the scientific world.

3. The Biggest Mystery of the Big Bang

Scientists believe that when the universe was created 13.8 billion years ago during the 'Big Bang', matter and antimatter were produced in equal amounts. According to the laws of physics, they should have canceled each other out, leaving nothing but light (energy) in the universe.

However, for some unknown reason, a tiny fraction of matter survived, which forms our entire universe today. Where did the extra antimatter go? This remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of science, known as Baryon Asymmetry.

4. Production and Challenges on Earth

Finding natural antimatter on Earth is nearly impossible because it explodes and vanishes the moment it touches air or ground. It is produced artificially at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland using 'Particle Accelerators'.

• Cost: It is the most expensive substance in the world. 1 gram of antimatter is estimated to cost approximately $62.5 trillion.
• Storage: To store it, a device called a 'Penning Trap' is used. It uses a powerful magnetic field to keep the antimatter suspended in a vacuum so it doesn't touch the walls of the container.

5. Hope for the Future: From Cancer to Deep Space

Antimatter is not just destructive; it could prove to be a boon for humanity:

• Medical Field: Antimatter (positrons) is already used today in 'PET Scans' (Positron Emission Tomography) for diagnosing diseases like cancer.
• Space Science: If we can produce enough antimatter, Antimatter Propulsion rockets could take us to other star systems. Just 0.5 grams of antimatter contains as much energy as the bomb dropped on Hiroshima!

Conclusion

Matter and antimatter are like two sides of the same coin. While matter is the symbol of life and substance, antimatter is the gateway to infinite energy and the deep secrets of the cosmos. As science progresses, we might one day harness the power of antimatter to travel to the farthest corners of the universe.