Astronomy

Bharat From Space

Our Motherland Bharat

The Universe

The universe is a vast expanse that encompasses everything from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. It is a dynamic, ever-expanding realm filled with mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Ancient Indian astronomy and modern science both contribute to our understanding of this incredible cosmos, offering unique perspectives on its origin, structure, and meaning.

Planets

A planet is a large object such as Jupiter or Earth that orbits a star. Planets are smaller than stars, and they do not produce light. ... A star and everything which orbits it are called a star system. There are eight planets in our Solar System. The eight planets are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

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Stars

A star is a huge ball of gas held together by gravity...

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Comets

A comet is a ball of mostly ice that moves around in outer space. Comets are often described as "dirty snowballs". ... The orbital inclinations of comets are usually high and not near the ecliptic where most solar system objects are found. Most of them are long-period comets and come from the Kuiper belt. The most famous are : Halley's Comet and Comet Hale Bopp

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G A L A X I E S

Galaxies are collections of stars, dust, and gas rotating around super massive black holes. It is believed that there are 200 million or more galaxies in the known universe. A galaxy can range in the number of stars as well as its size. The most famous Galaxies are : Milky Way, Andromeda Galaxy and Whirlspool Galaxy.

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B L A C K - H O L E

A black hole is a region of spacetime exhibiting such strong gravitational effects that nothing—not even particles and electromagnetic radiation such as light—can escape from inside it. The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass can deform spacetime to form a black hole.

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S P A C E

Space, also known as outer space, is the near-vacuum between celestial bodies. It is where everything (all of the planets, stars, galaxies and other objects) is found.

S U P E R - N O V A

The brilliant point of light is the explosion of a star that has reached the end of its life, otherwise known as a supernova. Supernovae can briefly outshine entire galaxies and radiate more energy than our sun will in its entire lifetime. They're also the primary source of heavy elements in the universe.

D A R K - M A T T E R

Dark matter is called dark because it does not appear to interact with observable electromagnetic radiation, such as light, and is thus invisible to the entire electromagnetic spectrum, making it extremely difficult to detect using usual astronomical equipment.

Key Facts About the Observable Universe

  • Age: Approximately 13.8 billion years.
  • Size: 93 billion light-years in diameter.
  • Total Stars: Around 1 septillion (1 followed by 24 zeros).
  • Composition: 5% ordinary matter, 27% dark matter, 68% dark energy.

Ancient Sanatan Astronomy

Ancient Sanatan sages studied the cosmos not only for its scientific value but also for its spiritual significance. The Vedas and texts like the Surya Siddhanta offer remarkable insights into celestial mechanics, eclipses, and planetary alignments. The concept of nakshatras divides the sky into 27 lunar mansions, bridging astronomy and astrology.

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Scale of the Universe

From Nakshatras to Galaxies The universe’s scale is almost incomprehensible. While nakshatras focus on specific constellations that influence earthly life, galaxies represent vast systems far beyond our direct experience. Comparing these scales helps bridge human understanding with the infinite.

Myths vs. Scientific Theories Sanatan Dharma

The universe is cyclic, with phases of creation (Srishti), preservation (Sthiti), and dissolution (Pralaya), governed by cosmic forces. Modern Science: The Big Bang Theory describes the universe's origin as a singular explosion, followed by expansion. This aligns with the Nasadiya Sukta’s philosophical musings on creation from the void.

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Tools for Exploration

  • NAkshatralink App: Explore the night sky, identify nakshatras, planets, and constellations.
  • Telescopes: Instruments revealing galaxies, nebulae, and exoplanets.
  • Space Missions: Milestones like Voyager, Chandrayaan, and James Webb Space Telescope.