I. What is the Viking Mars Lander? The Viking Mars Lander was a pair of spacecraft sent to Mars by NASA in the mid-1970s. The Viking 1 lander touched down on the Martian surface on July 20, 1976, followed by the Viking 2 lander on September 3, 1976. These missions marked the first time that … Read more
What is Perihelion? Perihelion is a term used in astronomy to describe the point in an object’s orbit around the Sun when it is closest to the star. This phenomenon is not exclusive to Earth but can occur with any celestial body that orbits another. The opposite of perihelion is aphelion, which is the point … Read more
I. What are Photon-dominated Regions (PDRs)? Photon-dominated regions (PDRs) are regions in space where the dominant source of energy is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from nearby stars. These regions are typically found in interstellar clouds where young, massive stars are forming. The intense UV radiation from these stars ionizes and heats the surrounding gas and dust, … Read more
I. What is Mount Abu Infrared Observatory? Mount Abu Infrared Observatory is a research facility located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. It is one of the leading infrared observatories in the country and plays a crucial role in astronomical research. The observatory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and instruments that allow astronomers to study celestial … Read more
What is a Solar Eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Earth. This phenomenon can only happen during a new moon when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line. There are three … Read more
I. What is the Reionization Epoch? The Reionization Epoch, also known as the Epoch of Reionization (EoR), is a period in the history of the universe when the neutral hydrogen gas that filled the cosmos was ionized by the intense radiation emitted by the first stars and galaxies. This process marked a significant transition in … Read more
I. What is Roll? Roll is one of the three axes of rotation in aviation and rocketry, along with pitch and yaw. In simple terms, roll refers to the rotation of an object around its longitudinal axis. For example, when an aircraft or rocket rolls, it tilts from side to side, with one wing or … Read more
I. What is Annual Parallax? Annual parallax is a phenomenon used in astronomy to measure the distance between Earth and nearby stars. It is based on the principle of triangulation, where astronomers observe the apparent shift in the position of a star against the background of more distant stars as Earth orbits the Sun. This … Read more
I. What is Solar Thermal Propulsion? Solar Thermal Propulsion is a type of propulsion system that uses solar energy to heat a propellant and generate thrust for a spacecraft. This innovative technology harnesses the power of the sun to propel spacecraft through the vacuum of space, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional … Read more
I. What are Herbig Ae/Be Stars? Herbig Ae/Be stars are young, intermediate-mass stars that are still in the process of forming. They belong to the larger category of pre-main-sequence stars, which are stars that have not yet reached the main sequence phase of their evolution. Herbig Ae/Be stars are named after the astronomers George Herbig … Read more