Tag: Astronomy & Stargazing

“Stars are beautiful, but they must not take an active part in anything, they must just look on forever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was.”

Between Stones & Stars: A Journey to Pakri Barwadih’s Megalithic Marvels

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes44 Comments

The Pakri Barwadih megalithic site in Jharkhand, India, reveals the advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient civilizations. Dating back over 3,000 years, these monumental stones were used as observatories and calendars, marking seasonal festivals. Despite its significance, the site faces threats from urbanization and neglect. Preservation efforts are crucial to maintain this cultural heritage, which offers insights into human history and wisdom. Protecting Pakri Barwadih ensures future generations can appreciate this archaeological treasure.

The Marvel of July’s Supermoon: A Celestial Spectacle

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings6 Comments

The July 2022 full Moon, known as the supermoon, was the largest and brightest of the year, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter at its perigee. This celestial event holds cultural significance for various traditions, coinciding with Guru Purnima for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Different cultures historically named the July full Moon based on seasonal activities. The supermoon serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the cosmos and its cultural and historical significance.

Chandrayaan-2: A New Era in Indian Space Exploration

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings13 Comments

In September, millions eagerly watched as India's Chandrayaan-2 aimed for a historic moon landing. Despite setbacks, the mission showcased India's space prowess. The orbiter now relays valuable lunar data, despite the lander's loss. The endeavor underscores the challenges of space exploration and the nation's determination. This spirit resonated globally, inspiring renewed enthusiasm for cosmic exploration and international collaboration.

Chandrasekhar: He knew how the stars will die

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings11 Comments

Chandrasekhar became famous for his discoveries about the evolution of the stars. His work was vast, and he began early, developing his theory of stars’ evolution before he had even turned 20. Google is changing its logo globally to a doodle of him and the Chandrasekhar Limit. That refers to his calculation that once a star reaches 1.44 times the size of our own sun, it doesn’t form a white dwarf as expected but collapses, eventually becoming a black hole.

Is the Zodiac Wrong? Unveiling the Truth About Ophiuchus

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings32 Comments

The traditional zodiac faces a cosmic twist as NASA's latest calculations reveal a 13th zodiac sign, Ophiuchus, challenging age-old perceptions. Despite its absence in mainstream astrological discourse, Ophiuchus has quietly observed the dance of celestial bodies, its significance subtly acknowledged by sidereal and Vedic astrologers. This revelation questions astrology's foundations as ancient Babylonians divided the zodiac into 12 equal parts, disregarding the varying constellation sizes and shapes. NASA emphasizes the distinction between astronomy's empirical observation and astrology's subjective interpretation.

When Moonlight Meets Midsummer: A Celestial Convergence Seventy Years in the Making

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings14 Comments

Today's rare celestial event brings together the summer solstice and the full "Strawberry Moon," not seen together in nearly 70 years. Named by Native Americans after the ripening of strawberries, the full moon coincides with the solstice, providing a spectacular 24-hour light show. This unique astronomical event connects us to the past and future, reminding us of the wonders and timeless cycles of the universe.

A Haloed Moon & the Whisper of Wonder

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings1 Comment

At 10:45 PM, I received a message from my colleague Teeba urging me to look at the moon. A stunning lunar halo encircled the full moon, mesmerizing us both as we explored its beauty. This phenomenon, caused by ice crystals refracting moonlight, connects scientific wonder with cultural significance. Coincidentally, it coincided with the winter solstice and a rare total lunar eclipse, reinforcing the night's magical ambiance.