SPACERIUM

In the quest to understand the vast diversity of planetary systems beyond our own, the discovery of TOI-6038 A b stands as a significant milestone. This dense sub-Saturn exoplanet, identified by an international team of astronomers led by Sanjay Baliwal from India's Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), offers intriguing insights into planetary formation and migration theories. Discovery and Detection Methods The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) first detected a transit signal in the light curve of TOI-6038 A, a bright late F-type star located approximately 578 light-years from Earth. To confirm the planetary nature of this signal, researchers employed the PARAS-2 spectrograph at the PRL Observatory in India. This collaboration between space-based photometry and ground-based spectroscopy exemplifies the synergy required in modern exoplanet discovery and characterization. Host Star Characteristics TOI-6038 A is a metal-rich late F-type star with an effective temperature...

The universe is a vast and awe-inspiring place, filled with countless galaxies, each with its own unique characteristics and secrets. Among these, NGC 4261 stands out as a fascinating object of study for astronomers and astrophysicists. Located approximately 100 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, NGC 4261 is a giant elliptical galaxy that has captured the attention of scientists due to its intriguing structure, active galactic nucleus (AGN), and the supermassive black hole at its core. In this blog, we will delve into the details of NGC 4261, exploring its features, significance, and the mysteries it holds. Overview of NGC 4261 NGC 4261, also known as UGC 7360 or PGC 39659, is a massive elliptical galaxy that belongs to the Virgo Cluster, a rich collection of galaxies. Elliptical galaxies like NGC 4261 are characterized by their smooth, featureless appearance and lack of spiral arms. They are typically composed of older stars and contain little interstellar gas or dus...

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is on the verge of achieving yet another historic milestone as it moves closer to the Sun than ever before. Scheduled for December 25, this record-breaking perihelion will bring the probe within approximately 6.2 million kilometers (3.8 million miles) of the Sun’s surface, marking a significant leap in solar exploration. This close approach will allow scientists to gather critical data on the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona , unlocking key insights into solar wind, magnetic fields, and the fundamental processes governing our star. Historical Background and Mission Overview Launched on August 12, 2018 , aboard a Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Parker Solar Probe was designed to revolutionize our understanding of the Sun. Named after physicist Dr. Eugene Parker , who first proposed the existence of the solar wind, the probe’s mission is to venture closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft. Over the course of its seven-ye...

  What is The Gravitational Lensing Picture spacetime as a trampoline. Massive objects like galaxies act like bowling balls, warping the fabric. Light travels in a straight line, but when it passes this warped region, it bends - just like a marble rolling near the bowling ball. This is gravitational lensing. In the JWST image, a foreground galaxy bends light from a distant quasar, RX J1131-1231 , creating the stunning ring - a cosmic magnifying glass revealing the otherwise hidden quasar. How this Quasar is Gravitationally Lensed? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to impress, this time capturing a once-in-a-lifetime image: a distant quasar warped into a dazzling ring by the gravity of a massive, unseen galaxy. The quasar, a powerhouse galaxy fueled by a supermassive black hole, is dubbed RX J1131-1231 and resides a mind-boggling 6 billion light-years away in the Crater constellation . But the true spectacle lies in the luminous ring surrounding it. This phenomenon,...

  The vast canvas of the cosmos isn’t silent to the demise of stars. Stellar death can be a dazzling supernova explosion or a more gradual process, but it’s always a powerful finale, a crescendo in the grand symphony of the universe. This celestial drama unfolds in a stunning variety of ways, with each star meeting its fate in a unique and awe-inspiring manner. The Dance of Planetary Nebulae When a medium-sized star, similar in mass to our Sun, nears the end of its life, it sheds its outer layers. This expanding shell of gas and dust, called a planetary nebula, can reach several light-years in diameter. These breathtaking celestial structures come in diverse shapes, from delicate bipolars to intricate rings, as captured by powerful telescopes like Hubble. Planetary nebulae, despite their name, have nothing to do with planets; they are the final breaths of a dying star, a testament to the delicate balance of life and death in the cosmos. The Cosmic Drama of the Crab Nebula A particu...

Exploring Earendel: The Most Distant Star Ever Discovered In the vastness of the cosmos, amidst the silent dance of galaxies and the flickering of distant stars, lies a celestial wonder that has captured the imagination of astronomers around the world. Earendel, the most distant star ever detected, has emerged as a beacon of light illuminating the mysteries of the universe. Let's embark on a journey to unravel the enigma of Earendel, exploring its configurations, location, coordinates, and its constellation. Unveiling Earendel: Discovered through the tireless efforts of astronomers utilizing state-of-the-art telescopes and innovative imaging techniques, Earendel stands as a testament to human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Located an astonishing 12.8 billion light-years away from Earth, Earendel exists at the very edge of our observable universe, offering a glimpse into the ancient past when the cosmos was in its infancy. Named after the Old English word for ...

Pulsar Star J0952–0607 - Fastest spinning neutron star In the vast expanse of the cosmos, celestial bodies continue to captivate and mystify us with their sheer complexity and enigmatic nature. Among these stellar wonders, pulsars stand out as cosmic beacons, emitting rhythmic pulses of radiation that have puzzled astronomers for decades. One such enigma is PSR J0952–0607, a pulsar star located in the depths of space, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of astrophysics. Discovery and Characteristics PSR J0952–0607 was first discovered in 2012 during a survey of the Galactic plane conducted by the Green Bank Telescope. This pulsar is located approximately 3,200 light-years away in the constellation Sextans. What sets PSR J0952–0607 apart from other pulsars is its remarkably fast spin rate. With a period of just 5.16 milliseconds, it ranks among the fastest-spinning pulsars known to date. Pulsars are incredibly dense neutron stars that result from the supernova explosions of ma...

Oh My God particle - The traveler of the speed of light Introduction: In the vast expanse of the cosmos, particles whiz through space at incredible speeds, propelled by forces beyond our comprehension. Among these cosmic speedsters lies a particle so extraordinary, it has earned the moniker of the "Oh-My-God Particle." This enigmatic entity challenges our understanding of the universe and offers a glimpse into the extremes of cosmic phenomena. Join me as we delve into the captivating world of high-energy physics and unravel the mysteries of this extraordinary particle. What is the Oh-My-God Particle? The Oh-My-God Particle, also known as the OMG Particle or the Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR), is a subatomic particle, believed to be a proton, with an astonishingly high energy level. It was first detected on October 15, 1991, by the Fly's Eye Cosmic Ray Detector in Utah, USA. The particle earned its dramatic name from the reaction of physicist John Linsley, who exclai...

The Virgo Cluster - A huge family of galaxies Introduction: Nestled within the vast expanse of the cosmos lies a celestial marvel that has captivated astronomers and enthusiasts alike for centuries – the Virgo Galaxy Cluster. Situated approximately 54 million light-years away from Earth, this sprawling congregation of galaxies offers a window into the complex and dynamic nature of our universe. In this blog, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of the Virgo Cluster, delving into its composition, structure, and significance in the realm of cosmology. Unveiling the Virgo Cluster: The Virgo Cluster is a rich galaxy cluster located in the constellation Virgo, hence its name. It is one of the nearest galaxy clusters to our own Milky Way, making it a prime target for astronomical research. Comprising over 1,300 member galaxies, the Virgo Cluster is a bustling hub of cosmic activity, with each galaxy contributing to the intricate tapestry of the cluster's structure. Structure a...

Exoplanet HD 189733 - Discovery of Chandra X-Ray observatory Introduction: Embark with us on an interstellar journey as we uncover the breathtaking discovery of the enigmatic exoplanet HD 189733 by the extraordinary Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Together, we'll unravel the cosmic tapestry surrounding HD 189733, exploring its distant location, mesmerizing characteristics, and the groundbreaking revelations that have captivated astronomers and stargazers alike. Part 1: The Cosmic Jewel - HD 189733's Location and Distance Nestled in the constellation Vulpecula, HD 189733 graces the cosmic stage approximately 63 light-years away from our own celestial abode. Picture this distant star as a sapphire jewel, radiating its celestial glow amidst the cosmic expanse. With Chandra as our guide, we'll traverse the light-years to uncover the wonders hidden within its planetary companion. Part 2: Unveiling HD 189733 - A Stellar Revelation Before we delve into the captivating exoplanet, let...