Dracula’s Chivito: The Universe's Largest "Cosmic Sandwich"

 

Dracula’s Chivito (IRAS 23077+6707)

Dracula’s Chivito is the largest known protoplanetary disk discovered to date. It is a massive, rotating disk of gas and dust where new planets are born. Located approximately 1,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cepheus, this disk was recently imaged in high detail by the Hubble Space Telescope.

It is significant for the following reasons:

1. Size and Structure 

·         Size: It spans nearly 400 billion miles (approx. 4,200 AU), making it about 40 times larger than the diameter of our solar system.

·         Appearance: Because we view it nearly edge-on, it resembles a "cosmic sandwich."

·         The "Patty": A thick, dark band of dust in the center blocks the light from the young star, while the glowing gas above and below creates the appearance of a "bun."

·         The "Fangs": The nickname "Dracula" comes from two thin filaments of material extending from the northern edge of the disk, resembling vampire fangs.

2. Scientific Importance

·         Astronomers view it as a "giant" version of our own early solar system.

·         Unlike many other disks that appear organized and symmetrical, Dracula’s Chivito is exceptionally chaotic and turbulent.

·         The presence of "fangs" suggests a dissipating envelope of material or dynamic activity, such as a recent infall of gas and dust.

·         It provides a unique laboratory to study how planets form in such extreme and asymmetrical environments.

3. The Name

The name is a humorous nod to the cultural backgrounds of the researchers:

·         Dracula: Refers to the "fangs" and the fact that lead researcher Ciprian Berghea grew up in Transylvania.

·         Chivito: Refers to the national sandwich of Uruguay, the home country of co-author Ana Mosquera.

·         It follows the naming tradition of another famous "sandwich" object known as "Gomez’s Hamburger."

 Breakthroughs as of December 2025

By December 2025, Dracula’s Chivito has been in the news due to high-resolution images and data released by the Hubble Space Telescope. Key breakthroughs include:

1.      Confirmed "Planetary Nursery": New research published in The Astrophysical Journal confirms it is a highly active protoplanetary disk. Hubble’s visible light sensors have allowed astronomers to see internal substructures—essentially the early blueprint of where planets are starting to form.

2.      Unexpectedly Chaotic: While most planet-forming disks look like flat records, Hubble revealed this system is extremely turbulent. It is lopsided, with "fangs" only on the northern side, while the southern edge remains sharp and clean.

3.      A Massive Central Star: Data suggests the hidden central star is a "Herbig Ae" star—a young, very hot star with a mass about 1.5 to 2.0 times that of our Sun. Some researchers suspect it might even be a binary star system hidden behind the dust.

4.      Record Breaker: It is officially recognized as the largest protoplanetary disk ever discovered, containing material estimated to be 10 to 30 times the mass of Jupiter.

Latest Statistics (Updated December 2025)

Feature	Data
Distance	~1,000 Light-years
Size	4,200 AU (40x our Solar System)
Central Star	Hot "A-type" star (Possible Binary)
Status	Record holder for the largest planet-forming disk

 

Comparison: Dracula’s Chivito vs. Gomez’s Hamburger

Gomez’s Hamburger (IRAS 18059) is another stunning protoplanetary disk located about 900 light-years away. It also appears edge-on, looking like a floating hamburger. Compared to Dracula’s Chivito, it is much more symmetrical and is often called a "Plain Burger."

Feature	Dracula’s Chivito (IRAS 23077)	Gomez’s Hamburger (IRAS 18059)
Size	~4,200 AU (Largest)	~1,650 AU
Star Type	Herbig Ae (Hot, Young)	A-type (Young)
Distance	~1,000 Light-years	~900 Light-years
Unique Feature	"Fangs" (Northern filaments)	Symmetrical, "Plain" Burger
Mystery Factor	Chaotic	Stable

Key Differences

·         "Fangs" vs. "Plain": Dracula’s Chivito has thin gas filaments ("fangs"), while Gomez's Hamburger is orderly and symmetrical.

·         Size Record: Dracula’s Chivito is about 2.5 times larger in diameter than Gomez’s Hamburger, breaking its long-standing record.

·         "Lone Wolves": Both objects are mysteriously located in empty regions of space rather than inside a "stellar nursery."

·         Evidence of Planets: Evidence of a potential giant planet (GoHam b) has been found in Gomez’s Hamburger. Dracula’s Chivito is so turbulent that no specific planet has been pinpointed yet.

Why the "Sandwich" Shape?

In both cases, we see the disk from the edge-on perspective:

·         Dark Center: Thick dust blocking the star's light.

·         Glowing Layers: The disk's "atmosphere" reflecting the light of the hidden star.

Lunar Space Elevator: The End of the Rocket Era and a New Revolution in Space Travel

 

Humanity has always dreamed of reaching the skies. Until now, expensive rockets were used to reach the Moon, but now scientists are working on the concept of a "Lunar Space Elevator."

1. Kevlar: The Strong Foundation of the Project

Building a space elevator on Earth requires expensive technology like Carbon Nanotubes, but it is possible on the Moon using Kevlar due to its lower Gravity.

• What is Kevlar?: It is a Synthetic Fiber that is 5 times stronger than steel and extremely lightweight.
• Usage: Kevlar ropes (Tethers) will be extended from the lunar surface to a point near Earth’s Orbit.

2. Working Mechanism of the Elevator

• Lagrange Point (L1): The elevator will utilize a specific point between the Earth and the Moon where the gravitational forces of both are balanced.
• Counter-weight: A large weight will be suspended in space to keep the cable stable.
• Operation: Instead of rocket engines, machines called 'Climbers' powered by electric motors will climb the cable.
• Energy: These machines will receive power from Earth via Laser Beams or through Solar Panels.
• Time: The journey is expected to take approximately 3 to 5 days.

3. Safety and Maintenance

• Space Debris: The cable will be designed as a 'Ribbon' (Strap) so that it remains strong even in the event of a collision.
• Radiation: A special protective Coating will be applied to the Kevlar.
• Maintenance: Small robots will constantly travel along the cable to inspect for damage and perform Repairing.

4. Economic Aspects and Benefits

Description	Estimated Cost / Information
Total Cost	$5 billion to $10 billion (Approx. ₹42,000 to ₹84,000 Crores)
Cargo Transport Cost	Dropping from $1,00,000 per kg (via rockets) to just $100 to $500
Benefits	Lunar Settlement, ease of transporting minerals, and pollution-free transport.

5. Treasure on the Moon (Key Minerals)

The following valuable resources can be brought back via the elevator:

• Helium-3: Rare on Earth but available in millions of tons on the Moon; it is a source of clean energy.
• Rare Earth Metals: Essential for smartphones and EV batteries.
• Precious Metals: Platinum, Gold, and Silver.
• Water (Ice): Available as ice at the South Pole, which will serve as Fuel for future missions.

6. Timeline for the Future

• By 2030: The 'LiftPort Group' aims to establish a small Pilot Project.
• 2040 – 2050: Experts believe a fully operational Lunar Elevator could be ready.
• Countries: USA (NASA, Blue Origin), China (Economic Zone by 2045), and Japan (Obayashi Corporation) are in the race.

7. Major Organizations and Engineering Challenges

Detailed information about the major companies involved and the technological challenges:

1. Major Organizations:

• LiftPort Group: A private entity that proposed the lunar elevator infrastructure. They believe building an elevator on the Moon is many times easier and cheaper than on Earth.
• Spaceline: Scientists from Columbia and Cambridge Universities suggested a 'Space Highway' using Kevlar-like cables.
• USA: NASA and private companies like Blue Origin and LiftPort have active interests.
• China: Plans to establish an "Earth-Moon Economic Zone" by 2045, where the space elevator could be a vital component.
• Japan (Obayashi Corporation): Has announced plans to build a space elevator by 2050.

2. Major Technological and Engineering Challenges:

• Cable Strength and Weight: While Kevlar is suitable, Weaving it on such a massive scale in space is a major challenge.
• Space Debris: To survive collisions with satellite fragments and meteoroids, the cable must be ribbon-shaped so small punctures don't cause it to snap.
• Energy Source: Powering the 'Climbers' requires energy transmission via Laser Beams or the use of Solar Panels.
• Environmental Factors: Protective Coating is needed to protect the Kevlar from harsh solar radiation.
• Stability: Active Dampers will be required to prevent Vibrations caused by Earth and Moon gravity.

This project is a matter of international cooperation, as according to the 'Outer Space Treaty', the Moon does not belong to any single nation.

ISRO & Global Space Agencies

          1. ISRO (India) - Indian Space Research Organisation

 India's prestigious agency, known for delivering best results at low costs.

History and Development of ISRO

• Beginning: India's space program started under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the 'Father of the Indian Space Program'.
• Establishment: 'INCOSPAR' was established in 1962, which later became 'ISRO' in 1969.
• First Satellite: On April 19, 1975, India launched its first satellite, 'Aryabhata' (with help from the Soviet Union).
• Indigenous Rocket: In 1980, India created history by launching the 'Rohini' satellite using its own rocket, SLV-3.

Launch Vehicles of ISRO

• PSLV: Known as the 'Workhorse' of ISRO, it is extremely reliable.
• GSLV: Used to launch heavy satellites into high Earth orbits.
• LVM3: India's most powerful rocket, used in the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
• SSLV: A new rocket for launching small satellites quickly and at a low cost.

Historic Missions

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): This mission discovered water molecules on the Moon.
• Mangalyaan (MOM - 2013): India became the first country in the world to reach Mars' orbit in its first attempt.
• 104 Satellites (2017): Created a world record by launching 104 satellites with a single rocket (PSLV-C37).
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): India became the first country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's South Pole.

Ambitious Projects

• Gaganyaan: India's first human spaceflight mission, preparing to send Indian astronauts (Gaganauts) into space.
• Aditya-L1: India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun.
• Shukrayaan: Planned mission to research the planet Venus.
• NISAR: A joint mission between NASA and ISRO to monitor Earth's changing environment.

Role of ISRO in the Economy

ISRO contributes significantly to the country's progress beyond science:

• Agriculture: Satellite-based crop monitoring and weather forecasting.
• Disaster Management: Saving thousands of lives by providing early warnings of disasters like cyclones or floods.
• Education and Telemedicine: Providing education and health services to remote villages.
• Navigation: Developed 'NavIC', India's own GPS-like system.

ISRO's greatest strength is its simplicity and efficiency, making India a 'Superpower' in space science.

 Brief Information on Other Global Space Agencies

 2. NASA (USA) - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The world's most powerful and modern space agency.

• Founded: July 29, 1958
• Headquarters: Washington D.C., USA
• Key Tasks: Sending humans to the Moon (Apollo Mission), managing the International Space Station (ISS), and planetary exploration.
• Specialty: Major role in capturing the oldest photos of the universe via the James Webb Telescope.

3. ROSCOSMOS (Russia) - State Space Corporation

The agency with the oldest experience in space science.

• Founded: 1992 (Soviet space program was active since 1950)
• Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
• Key Tasks: Transporting astronauts to the space station and robust rocket engine technology.
• Specialty: Russia sent the first human (Yuri Gagarin) into space. 

 4. ESA (Europe) - European Space Agency

A joint organization of 22 European countries.

• Founded: May 30, 1975
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Key Tasks: Monitoring climate change and developing a global navigation system (Galileo).

 5. CNSA (China) - China National Space Administration

A rapidly advancing space agency.

• Founded: April 22, 1993
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Key Tasks: Building its own space station and landing a rover on the far side (dark side) of the Moon.

 6. JAXA (Japan) - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

• Founded: October 1, 2003
• Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
• Rockets: H3 and H-IIA (Japan's main rockets).
• Major Achievement: First country to bring soil samples from an asteroid via the Hayabusa mission.
• Recent Success: Successful Moon landing in 2024 via the SLIM mission.
• Relationship with India: ISRO and JAXA are working together on the LUPEX mission to explore the Moon's South Pole.

7. CSA (Canada) - Canadian Space Agency

Known worldwide for its robotics and satellite technology.

• Founded: March 1, 1989
• Headquarters: Longueuil, Quebec
• Key Feature (Canadarm): Developed a massive robotic arm for the ISS called Canadarm2. This arm is used for catching objects and repairs in space.
• Key Tasks:
• Robotics: Creating advanced robotic tools for the space station.
• Earth Observation: Monitoring atmosphere and maritime activities via 'RADARSAT' satellites.
• Astronaut Program: Training Canadian astronauts and sending them on missions with NASA.

            Moon Mission (Artemis II): A Canadian astronaut will be the first non-American to orbit the Moon in NASA's upcoming 'Artemis II' mission.

The Euclid Mission: The Galactic Tuning Fork

         

                  

The Euclid Mission introduced the "Galactic Tuning Fork" in 2025, providing a new way to understand the history of the universe. This modern version updates Edwin Hubble’s 1926 diagram with advanced technology. It does not just show the shapes of galaxies but tells the story of how they are born and change over time.

                                                                      Stocktrek Images - Getty Images

          Modern Classification of Galaxies

The Euclid telescope studied millions of galaxies and divided this diagram into three main parts:

• Right Side (Young Galaxies): These are blue-colored spiral galaxies. They are filled with gas and dust, and new stars are constantly being born there.
• Middle Part (Transition Phase): This represents the stage when two galaxies collide. Euclid has discovered thousands of such "mergers".
• Left Side (Old Galaxies): These are red-colored elliptical galaxies. They are mostly formed by the merger of several small galaxies, and the birth of new stars has almost stopped.

Major Discovery of 2025: "Secondary Nuclei"

A major success of the Euclid Mission is the discovery of 666 galaxies that have "two hearts" (two black holes).

• What it is: Every large galaxy has a "Supermassive Black Hole" at its center. When a large galaxy swallows a smaller one, two distinct centers (nuclei) are visible initially.
• Significance: This proves that galaxies are not "quiet" but grow through constant violent collisions.
• Future Events: Eventually, these black holes collide, creating Gravitational Waves in the universe. Our own Milky Way is destined to merge with the neighboring Andromeda galaxy in this same manner.

Mapping Dark Matter

Euclid uses a technique called "Weak Gravitational Lensing" to map the invisible web of Dark Matter.

• Light Bending: According to Einstein's theory, massive objects bend the path of light; Dark Matter does the same.
• Distortion: As light from distant galaxies reaches Euclid, Dark Matter distorts or bends it.
• Mapping: By measuring these slight changes in the shapes of millions of galaxies, scientists can identify where the invisible web of Dark Matter exists.

The Future of the Milky Way

While our galaxy currently seems peaceful, its future is dramatic and exciting:

• The Great Collision: The Andromeda galaxy is heading toward us at 400,000 km/h. In about 4 to 5 billion years, it will collide with the Milky Way.
• Milkomeda: After the merger, a giant elliptical galaxy will form, which scientists have named "Milkomeda".
• Black Hole Union: The black holes at the centers of both galaxies (including our 'Sagittarius A*') will orbit each other and eventually merge, creating massive gravitational waves.
• Fate of Earth/Sun: Earth or the Sun are unlikely to collide with another star because of the vast distances between them. However, our solar system might be thrown far from the galactic center due to gravity.
• The End of Star Birth: Eventually, the new Milkomeda galaxy will use up its gas, and new star formation will stop. The galaxy will eventually become "Red and Dead".

Note: By the time these galaxies merge, the Sun will likely have become a 'Red Giant' and swallowed the Earth (in about 5 billion years), meaning humanity will likely no longer be on Earth.

Comet 3I/ATLAS Flyby: Closest Approach to Earth

 

                                                              Shutterstock

3I/ATLAS is a very important object in astronomy. The designation "3I" (Interstellar 3) means it is the third confirmed interstellar object discovered to have originated from outside our solar system.

This comet will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025.

• At that time, the distance from the comet to Earth will be approximately 1.8 Astronomical Units (AU). This measurement in Astronomical Units (AU) indicates that the comet will pass at a distance about 1.8 times the distance between the Sun and Earth. In kilometers, this distance is approximately 270 million kilometers. Due to this safe distance, there is no risk to Earth from this comet.

Other Important Details

• The comet reached its closest point to the Sun (Perihelion) on October 29, 2025.
• It is faint, requiring at least a small telescope to be seen, as its brightness (magnitude) is around 11 to 15.
• Its travel speed and its orbit confirm to scientists that it is not a part of our solar system.

This interstellar comet offers scientists a wonderful opportunity to study objects originating from other star systems.

How and Where Did This Interstellar Comet Originate?

1. The Origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS

3I/ATLAS was not born in our solar system; instead, it formed around some other distant star in the galaxy.

• Birthplace: It originally formed in a cloud of dust and ice (a Protoplanetary Disk) around another star. The ice and dust in its composition may be chemically different from the comets in our solar system.
• Ejection: During the early stages of planetary formation, when large planets (like our Jupiter or Saturn) were forming, their intense gravitational force likely caused this small comet to be ejected at high speed from its parent star system.
• In this way, the comet was freed from the gravity of its original star and began traveling through the vast, empty space between the stars.

2. The Interstellar Journey

After leaving its parent star, Comet 3I/ATLAS would have traveled through space for millions of years.

• Long Voyage: It has traveled millions of kilometers in the Interstellar space between the stars. It remained cold and dark during this journey.
• Unexpected Visit: Eventually, its celestial path led it towards our solar system. It entered the gravitational field of our Sun and approached its surface.
• Exit: The orbit of this comet is Hyperbolic (open, not closed). This means it will never orbit our Sun. After passing close to Earth in December 2025, it will once again return to the infinite space and likely never return to our solar system.

             

                                          Getty Images

By studying this object, scientists can learn how other star systems function and what the composition of ice and dust is in those systems.

Which Other Interstellar Objects Have Been Discovered Besides This Comet?

Exactly! 3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object discovered. The following two interstellar objects had passed through our solar system before it:

1. 1I/ʻOumuamua

This was the first confirmed interstellar visitor, which surprised scientists the most.

• Discovery: Found in October 2017.
• Meaning of Name: In the Hawaiian language, it means "a messenger from afar arriving first."
• Shape: It was very unusual. Most scientists believe it had a cigar- or pancake-like shape, meaning its length was up to 10 times greater than its width.
• Activity: It did not look like a comet because no cloud of dust or gas (Coma) was observed around it even as it approached the Sun.
• However, its speed increased slightly due to some unknown, non-gravitational force, which scientists are still researching.

2. 2I/Borisov

2I/Borisov was the first interstellar comet that behaved like a regular comet.

• Discovery: Found in August 2019 by Gennadiy Borisov, an amateur astronomer in Crimea.
• Type: Comet.
• Special Feature: Unlike 'Oumuamua, when it came close to the Sun, it clearly formed a Tail and a Coma.
• This indicates that it is made of ice and dust, similar to the comets in our solar system. This provided scientists with the first opportunity to study the chemical composition of an object from another star system.

               

                        Shutterstock

These three objects (1I/ʻOumuamua, 2I/Borisov, and 3I/ATLAS) have proven that objects from other star systems regularly travel through our galaxy. As our telescope technology improves, it is likely that more such interstellar visitors will be discovered in the future.

Geminids Meteor Shower: The King of Meteor Showers (2025)

 

        The Geminids Meteor Shower is considered the "King of Meteor Showers" because it is the brightest and best meteor shower of the year. This spectacle will also be visible in India and Gujarat in 2025.

Here is the complete information regarding the 2025 Geminid Meteor Shower:

1. Peak Time 2025

• Date: Night of December 13 to the morning of December 14.
• Best Time: From 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Indian Standard Time). This is when the maximum number of meteors (Shooting Stars) are visible in the sky.

2. What's Special in 2025?

• Moon Phase: On the night of December 13-14, the Moon will be in a "Waning Crescent" phase, meaning it will be approximately 30-35% illuminated. The Moon will rise after midnight (around 2:00 AM).
• Advantage: The sky will be dark before the Moon rises (in the evening and until midnight), allowing the meteors to be clearly visible. Even after the Moon rises, Geminids are usually bright enough to be easily seen.
• Rate: Under ideal conditions, you can observe 120 to 150 meteors per hour.

3. Where to Look in the Sky? (Viewing Direction)

• Direction: These meteors appear to originate from the Gemini (Mithun) constellation.
• Star Identification: Its origin point (Radiant Point) is near the bright stars 'Castor' and 'Pollux'.
• Tip: You do not need to look directly at the Gemini constellation. Meteors can appear anywhere across the sky. It is better to look at a wide area of the sky by keeping your head straight up towards the Zenith.

4. Scientific Information (Origin)

        While meteor showers are generally caused by debris from Comets, the Geminids are different.

• Source: The source is the dust and debris particles from the asteroid named '3200 Phaethon'.
• Colour: Geminid meteors often appear yellowish or white and travel at a medium speed, making them easy to observe.

5. Best Viewing Tips

1. Get Away from the City: Go to a dark spot away from city lights (Light Pollution). Rural skies are the best.
2. No Telescope Needed: This is best observed with the naked eye. Do not use binoculars or a telescope as they limit your field of view.
3. Be Patient: Allow your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Avoid looking at mobile screens.
4. Warm Clothes: Since it will be cold in December, keep warm clothes handy and watch the sky while lying down comfortably.

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Other Major Annual Meteor Showers

Among the main meteor showers visible throughout the year, the Perseids are the most famous and reliable. This shower is active from mid-July to the end of August, and its 'Maximum Rate' (Peak) is on August 12-13, with 100 to 150 meteors visible per hour. At the start of the year, the Quadrantids are known for their short but intense 'Maximum Rate' (Peak), which occurs on January 3-4 with a rate of approximately 120 meteors per hour.

Furthermore, two meteor showers are associated with the debris of the famous Halley's Comet: the Eta Aquariids, which reaches its 'Maximum Rate' (Peak) on May 5-6 (50-60 per hour), and the Orionids, whose 'Maximum Rate' (Peak) is on October 21-22 (15-20 per hour). Other notable showers include the Lyrids, which gives a rate of 15 to 20 meteors per hour at its 'Maximum Rate' (Peak) on April 22. Finally, the Leonids, whose 'Maximum Rate' (Peak) is on November 17-18 (10-20 per hour), is famous for producing Meteor Storms approximately every 33 years.

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Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR)

🔭 Explanation of ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate)

• ZHR is a calculated value that indicates how many meteors will be visible per hour under the most ideal conditions (such as a dark sky, clear atmosphere, and when the meteor radiant is directly overhead at the Zenith).
• When we say the 'peak' rate of the Perseids is 100-150, it means its ZHR is 100-150.

From Aryabhata to Aditya-L1: Charting India’s Breakthroughs in Astronomy and Space

Introduction

India’s love for knowledge and science is centuries old. The curiosity to understand the mysteries of the cosmos has always been a part of Indian culture. Even in ancient times—long before the invention of telescopes—our sages and astronomers made astonishing discoveries using only the naked eye and complex mathematical calculations.

Today, under the leadership of ISRO, India is rapidly moving toward becoming a global space power. Let’s explore this fascinating journey of Indian astronomy.

 Part 1: Ancient India – The Foundation of Astronomy

India’s roots in astronomy run deep. Legendary scholars such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskaracharya made invaluable contributions to mathematics and astronomy.

Ujjain – The Greenwich of Ancient India

In ancient times, Ujjain served as the central hub of Indian astronomy. It was considered the Zero Meridian of India.Just like the modern world sets time based on the Greenwich Meridian in London, ancient India calculated time and Panchang (almanac) with Ujjain as the reference point.

 Part 2: Jantar Mantar – The Golden Age of Stone Observatories

In the early 18th century, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur introduced a new chapter in Indian astronomy. Being a scholar himself, he noticed significant errors in the astronomical tables and planetary predictions of his time. To correct these errors, he created the magnificent structures we now know as Jantar Mantar.

The term “Jantar Mantar” comes from Yantra + Mantra, meaning “instruments for calculation.”

These observatories used no lenses or glass; they functioned entirely on geometry, angles, and shadow movement.

Sawai Jai Singh built five observatories in:

 

• Delhi
• Jaipur
• Ujjain
• Varanasi
• Mathura (now lost)

Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar – The Finest Example

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the Brihad Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest stone sundial. Standing 27 meters tall, it can measure time with an accuracy of just 2 seconds—a stunning example of engineering brilliance from that era.

 Part 3: The Modern Era – Advanced Ground-Based Observatories

After independence, India embraced modern technology and established world-class observatories studying the universe across various wavelengths.

1. Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle – Ladakh

One of the highest observatories in the world (4,500 m). The clear, dry skies make it ideal for optical and infrared telescopes.

2. GMRT, Pune

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope is one of the largest facilities for radio astronomy.

Its 30 massive dish antennas study pulsars, galaxies, and the early universe.

3. Other Important Observatories

• Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur
• Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

 Part 4: India’s Eyes in Space – Space Observatories (Satellites)

Because Earth’s atmosphere blocks UV and X-rays, India has launched its own observatories into space.

1. AstroSat (2015)

India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory—often called a “Mini Hubble.”

2. Aditya-L1 (2023)

India’s first dedicated solar mission, stationed at the L1 Lagrange Point (1.5 million km away) to continuously observe the Sun.

3. XPoSat (2024)

India’s first X-ray polarimeter mission, helping scientists understand black holes and neutron stars.

 Part 5: The Future – India’s Own Space Station

After the success of Gaganyaan, India’s next major ambition is:

Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS)

• First module planned by 2028
• Fully operational by 2035
• Indian astronauts will conduct experiments in microgravity

 Conclusion

From the stone sundials of Jaipur to high-altitude telescopes in Ladakh—and now sophisticated observatories orbiting in space—India’s astronomical journey is truly inspiring.

Combining ancient wisdom with modern science, India is poised to lead humanity in exploring the mysteries of the universe.