Author: Ashish
Introduction to Barnard’s Star Barnard’s Star is an intriguing celestial body located approximately 6 light-years away from our solar system, making it the closest single star to Earth. This red dwarf, cataloged as Gliese 699, is part of the Milky Way galaxy and lies in the constellation Ophiuchus. With a relatively low mass—about 14% that of our Sun—and a much lower luminosity, Barnard’s Star is a faint object, often overlooked by casual observers. However, its proximity to Earth has made it a focal point for astronomers, particularly in the search for exoplanets. Red dwarfs like Barnard’s Star are critical in…
Introduction to the Hera Mission The Hera mission, set to commence on October 7, 2024, is an important advancement in planetary defense as it seeks to mitigate the peril posed by asteroids to planet Earth. Together with SpaceX, Hera builds on NASA’s DART mission which collided the asteroid Dimorphos. Hera plans to collect information regarding the after-effects of the collision in order to enhance the efficiency of asteroid diverting and correction measures in the future. Its aims encompass detailed studies of the body – Dimorphos, and the analysis of the consequences of the impact. This mission also highlights how teamwork…
Introduction to the James Webb Space Telescope The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in December 2021, is a groundbreaking astronomical observatory that surpasses the Hubble Space Telescope. Built through collaboration between NASA, ESA, and CSA, it features a 6.5-meter primary mirror and advanced infrared technology. JWST’s enhanced capabilities allow it to study distant galaxies, star formation, and exoplanets in unprecedented detail. The telescope aims to explore the early universe and answer fundamental questions about cosmic origins, marking a new chapter in space exploration and scientific discovery. What is a Supernova? A supernova is the explosive death of a star,…
Welcome to Space Unveiled, where we journey beyond the horizon to explore the wonders of our universe. Today, we embark on an incredible adventure through our very own cosmic neighborhood—the Solar System. Sun At the heart of our Solar System lies the Sun, a massive, glowing sphere of hot plasma. It’s the engine that powers our system by fusing into hydrogen in helium and it provides the light the light and heat necessary for life on Earth. The Sun’s gravity keeps everything orbiting it—from the smallest particles to the largest planets. Mercury The first planet is the Mercury, the closest…
Earth Welcomes Rare Mini Moon 2024 PT5 A Temporary Celestial Companion In a fascinating astronomical event, Earth is set to capture a “second moon” this month. On September 29, 2024, a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5 will be temporarily caught in Earth’s gravitational pull, becoming a mini-moon for a brief period. This rare occurrence offers a unique opportunity for scientists and sky watchers a like to observe and study a near-Earth object up close. What is 2024 PT5? 2024 PT5 is a small asteroid that typically orbits the sun as part of the Arjuna asteroid belt. Unlike our permanent moon,…
We’ve made an exciting discovery in the vast expanse of our universe. Our team of scientists has identified a red giant star that’s part of a binary system named G3425, which holds the key to understanding a long-standing mystery in astrophysics. This remarkable find has an impact on our comprehension of stellar evolution and black hole formation, potentially bridging the gap between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes. What’s more, our research into G3425 has led us to uncover what might be a ‘missing link’ black hole. This discovery challenges existing theories about how these cosmic objects form and evolve. We’ll…