NASA/SPACEX – Unmanned Test 19 Jan 2020 – 8.30 p.m. - Watch Live

 Today SpaceX 19^th Jan 2020 8.30pm SPACEX plans to do an “in-flight test of Crew Dragon’s launch escape capabilities” from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.. This Launch was planned to be conducted on 17 Jan but was postponed due to weather conditions at launch center. This Year in March 2020 a manned mission with astronauts is scheduled.
Hence today 19 Jan 2020 today “in-flight test” SPACEX wants to demonstrate how in a unlikely event of an emergency during a real launch the crew system will be protected and carry astronauts to safety detached from the launch vehicle.

What will happen today? ANIMATION: Interestingly a real Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle with “Crew Dragon” spacecraft will be purposefully failed and the crew dragon will separate from the launch vehicle called “Falcon 9”. Here is the ANIMATION of what exactly will happen today https://youtu.be/OtcnBSsjHmk  . “Crew Dragon” is name of the spacecraft with ability to carry upto Seven People and planned to be used by NASA as part of Commercial Contract with SPACEX. 

HOW TO WATCH LIVE: If launch is not postponed you can watch this live CLICK here 8.30 pm 19 Jan 2020 onwards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhrkdHshb3E

Why it’s important?  This test LIVE ON YOUTUBE AT 19 Jan 2020 8.30pm is a unmanned mission i.e. does not have NASA astronauts onboard the spacecraft but will demonstrate the spacecraft “Crew Dragon” escape capabilities. That is today test will prove that in a unlikely event of an emergency during a real launch the crew system can protect and carry astronauts to safety detached from the launch vehicle. Here is official NASA Release on the test https://go.nasa.gov/2uYT9jr.

Gaganyaan – Is it important for us – India Pad Abort Test 2018 July 5^th :  as you are already aware of Gaganyaan Mission of ISRO .. in July 2018 ISRO also conducted a “Pad Abort Test” see the video here https://youtu.be/zNpGv0lcLJI . So today launch though not directly imp for us but any experiment in space that to when related to Human Space Flight is important to observe. This yearend 2020 ISRO also plans to conduct a Unamanned launch of GSLV MKIII with its own “Crew Module” as a preparation for Gaganyaaan. SPACEX conducted there Pad Abort Test in 6^th May 2015.
  

ISRO GSAT 30 Launch 2.35 a.m. 17 Jan 2020 - Ariane-5/Arianespace

Today (17 Jan) Early morning hours at 2.35 a.m. ISRO's "GSAT-30 satellite" a 3357 kg communication satellite is scheduled for launch through a European launch vehicle called "Ariane-5" (VA 251) from French Guiana on January 17, 2020 at 0235 hrs IST. Details of launch and Satellite can be understood through this 5 mins video released by ISRO https://youtu.be/NmCC_1s4a28 Here is the link to watch this launch live broadcast from 2 a.m. 17 Jan 2020 on Launch agency "Arianespace Youtube Channel" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0oRWrINDHo Along with GSAT 30 in the same launch vehicle another Satellite called EUTELSAT KONNECT belonging to Eutelsat Company will also be launched. This Satellite belongs to Eutelsat Company which is the worlds third-largest Satellite Operator. Eutelsat's satellites across the world are used for broadcasting by nearly 7,000 television stations, of which 1,400 are in HD, and 1,100 radio stations to over 274 million cable and satellite homes.

GSAT-30 update 20 Jan 2020 :
After the injection of GSAT-30 communication satellite into an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on January 17, 2020, all the three orbit raising manoeuvers have been completed successfully as planned using the satellite's propulsion system.
The cumulative duration of operation of the propulsion system for these manuoeuvres is 2 hours 29 minutes.

The satellite solar panels and antennas have been deployed and the satellite is placed in an orbit with a perigee (nearest point from Earth) of 35, 826 km and an apogee (farthest point from Earth) of 35,913 km with an inclination of 0.11 deg which is very close to its operational orbit.

First Eclipse of Year and Decade - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse 10/11 Jan 2020

The First Eclipse of the year a Lunar eclipse termed scientifically as “Penumblar Lunar Eclipse” will occur on 10th January 2020 from 10.36 p.m. to 2.44 a .m. on 11 Jan 2020 but unnoticeable to bare eyes. Even watching with binoculars, telescopes will not make much difference. Why is it unnoticeable and other details watch this interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NwwQpRt54Y

This is first of Six Eclipses which will occur this year i.e. Two Solar Eclipses (on 21 June, on 14 Dec) and Four Lunar Eclipses (on 10Jan, 5June, 5July, 30Nov) will occur.

However, the Solar Eclipse on 21 June is the only one visible in India that too in its partial phases while the rest of five Eclipses of 2020 are unnoticeable or not visible. 10th Jan –Eclipse for Rituals: Though PSI can’t comment or suggest about Eclipse Rituals we have observed historically or generally, only the Umbra phase is considered as actual eclipse by the general public to follow various rituals and traditions since ages. Whereas unnoticeable Penumbra passage of moon from earth’s lighter shadow without any darkening of Moon was never considered.

Lunar Eclipse Occurs on 10 Jan – Why Not Noticeable? : Scientifically speaking the phenomena of “Lunar Eclipse” will occur on 10th Jan 2020. However, it’s not noticeable to the naked eye because the moon passes through lighter outer shadow (penumbra) of Earth and no notable darkening can be witnessed.

Whereas if Moon was to pass through darker shadow (umbra) people would have witnessed darkening of Moon with bare eyes. (Please see explanation/notes below about eclipse, umbra, and penumbra).

Earth at Closest Point To Sun 5 Jan 2020 - Perihelion

Today at 1.07pm Noon 5th Jan 2020 Planet Earth reached closest point it can get to Sun in its annual elliptical orbit around Sun at 0.9832436 AU i.e 14,70,91,149 km from Sun for 2020. Astronomically this is phenomena is known as “Perihelion”. 

Whereas on 4th  July 2020 Earth will be at Aphelion at 1.0166943 AU (15,20,95,302 km) from Sun i.e. it will be at farthest point from Sun. In other words Earth tomorrow will be 50,04,153 km closer to earth compared to 4th  July 2020.   Though people cannot observe this event. 

This event is of greatest importance with educational potential for students and public to understand to remove general misconception relating to weather.

Distance not Reason for Season: Commonly it is believed that Distance of Earth to Sun decides the season or temperature on earth. However it is  not  true.  Actually axial tilt (approx. 23.5 Degree) of Earth on its axis while revolving around Sun regulates seasons on planet Earth with one of the Hemisphere facing away or towards Sun.

Evidence/Example: It may be noted when Earth is closest to Sun at beginning of year
2020 its cold with winter in India & most of countries in Northern Hemisphere. Whereas it’s summer in Southern Hemisphere countries.

Also in July when Earth is at farthest point from Sun it’s mostly hot in India compared to what it is January. This clearly shows Distance of Earth to Sun doesn’t decide the Season but its tilt.

Annular Solar Eclipse 26 Dec 2019 India

One of the rare celestial event of the decade an astronomical phenomenon of Annular Solar Eclipse will occur in India on 26 December 2019. This Eclipse is named as “Annular Solar Eclipse”. Though annularity phase of Eclipse is visible only in few parts of Southern India it visible in Partial Phase all over India. Across the world this Eclipse is visible in the region covering Middle East, North Eastern Africa, Asia except North& Eastern Russia, North and Western Australia, Solomon Island.

Timings across world and Approximate time across India:  across the world the Eclipse in Various Phases occurs between 8.00 a.m. IST (2.30 a.m. UTC) to 13.35 p.m. IST (8.05 a.m. UTC). Whereas in India depending on the location of a Person from Central path of the Eclipse its between 8.03 a.m. to 11.43 a.m. Whereas Greatest Eclipse ie. When eclipse at maximum with moon obscuring sun will occur between 9.17 a.m. to 10.13 a.m depending on location of observer India.

North to South – West to East – Approximate Percentage – Eclipse visible time: On 26 Dec when eclipse it at maximum depending on their location from Central path of Eclipse people from Leh to Major parts of Southern India or from Western most part of India Dwaraka to Dibrugarth in the East will notice 33% to 92% of Sun obscured by Moon between 8.03 a.m. to 11.43 a.m.

Appearance Of Sun- Greatest/Maximum Time on 26 Dec – Depending on Location: Between 9.17 am to 10.12 am across India when the eclipse is at maximum for an observer in his location. The Sun will appear like ranging from Crescent to Quarter or half obscured by Moon than its normal shape. Whereas Sun will appear as ring in few places in southern India.   

Importance of 26 Dec 2019 – Maximum Obscuration in 10 Years past/future: In the next 10 years (2019-2029)  though there are many solar eclipses occur across the world only 4-5 Solar Eclipses (2019,2020,2022,2027, 2028) are visible from India. And 26 Dec comes with maximum Obscuration of Sun for many places in India. The last major eclipse with a similar feel was in 2009 Jul & 2010 Jan. Though next opportunity to observe Solar Eclipse is in June 2020 it is incomparable to 26 Dec 2019 with just 50% obscuration. All in all what one feels on 26 Dec is unforgettable for the next 10 years or to be precise till Year 2031 (61% obscuration).

Timings across world – Hyderabad & Vijayawada Capital Cities & Nellore  .:  across the world the Eclipse in Various Phases occurs between 8.00 a.m. IST (2.30 a.m. UTC) to 13.35 p.m. IST (8.05 a.m. UTC). Whereas in Hyderabad eclipse begins at 8.10 a.m.  and Ends at 11.10 a.m. Wherein  Greatest Eclipse ie. When eclipse at maximum with moon obscuring sun will occur between 9.30 a.m. with 74% of Sun obscured by Moon . In Vijayawada  Eclipse begins at 8.10 a.m. and Ends at  11.17 a.m. with 73.5% Sun obscured. Whereas in Nellore the Eclipse starts a minute before compared to Vijayawada at 8.09 a.m. and Ends at 11.17 a.m. but with better 81% of Sun covered by Moon compared to any other place in the both Telugu States.

Appearance Of Sun- Greatest/Maximum Time on 26 Dec:  At Greatest Eclipse when the eclipse is maximum people in Hyderabad or major part of both Telugu states will witness Sun in  crescent  form at 9.31 a.m. Greatest Eclipse is time when eclipse is at maximum for an observer in his location.          

11th Moon Landing Anniversary - MIP (Chandrayaan1) - No Outreach

On Suggestion of Dr. API Kalam for MIP(Chandrayaan1) on 14 Nov 2008 Indian Flag landed on Surface of Moon&Discovered water vapour in Lunar Atmosphere while descending.    

Is this any particularly reason 14 Nov (Children's Day) has been choosen to be day of MIP Moon Landing ? 

14Nov Children's day was chosen to inspire students to be future scientists as what the Late  President did. 

But how many remember this historical achievement and celebrate with talk, seminars in its true spirit.Hence our reminder since 11years now. Do we need Dr.Kalam to born again to inspire the future scientists.

Click Here to know more details of the Mission 

http://www.ournewplanets.info/2013/11/indian-flag-on-moon-on-14-nov-new-truth.html 

Planet Jupiter and Venus - Celestial Meeting on 24 Nov 2019

Watch today or tmrw or till 24Nov Planet Venus and Jupiter West in direction after Sunset for  approx 30mins. Wherein Venus sets after that but Jupiter can be obsevered for another 30mins more. 

 Above are the pics taken at 6pm .. you can see two star like objects. The one close to Horizon is Venus and the One above it is Jupiter... even Saturn is also there but too faint phone camera couldn't catch. Anyways You can still try Tomorrow evening . 

24 November 2019 Rare Celestial Encounter? 

So if you watch these two objects every day evening till 24Nov looking West after Sunset.. 

You can notice they are getting closer 👉👈 compared to prev day in our sky ...Finally on 24Nov they will be closest they can get in our sky for a event called "Venus in Conjunction with Jupiter".

What happens after 24Nov? If you continue watching every evening after 24 Nov you will notice Jupiter and Venus are moving away from each other..

6th Launch Anniversary of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) - Mangalyaan

5 November - 6th Launch Anniversary of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) - Mangalyaan - Year Long Prog as Part of Vikram Sarabhai Centenary Programme - Celebrations - Host Kalam Mars Observation Center - Invite us for Talk/Lecture: On 5th November 2013 at 2.38 p.m. IST PSLV C25 launched Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) into Earth's Orbit. Here are special posters (Zoom to see/read details).

In the First poster imaged by MOM the largest Volcano in the Solar System OLYMPUS MONS can be seen which is present on planet Mars. To Host Kalam Mars Observation Center or Talk/Lecture contact us www.facebook.com/planetarysocietyindia or Whatsapp 7993482012

In the Second poster PSLV C25 the launch Vehicle, Overview of MOM journey to Mars, Ships Nalanda & Yamuna Can be seen Which all were responsible for putting MOM into earth's orbit on the way to MARS.

SHIPS NALANDA & YAMUNA of Shipping Corporation of India Limited – chartered by ISRO played a significant role in the collection of data and the successful launch of the orbiter. The two Offshore vessels had sailed from Visakhapatnam on the 15th of September 2013 after installation of satellite tracking and communication equipment by ISRO, DRDO and Indian Navy. These two ships also carried scientists from ISRO, DRDO and Indian Navy personnel on board.

1Nov 2019 - Opportunity to Spot Jupiter and Saturn

Dear Freinds/Wellwishers today (hoping skies are clear) you have an easy opportunity to spot Planet Jupiter and Saturn ..like above.. Jupiter Below Moon and Saturn above Moon. After Sunset (for 30mins to 2hrs depending on your location across India or around World)look West Direction.

So perfect opportunity to spot take selfies/pics with Jupiter, Saturn&Moon. Please do not forget to share with me (pic, with time, location) .. Also, observe Sky tomorrow Evening ...and every day after... You will see the positions of Moon, Jupiter and Saturn in our sky are changing.

 And Yes remember you don't require Telescopes to SPOT, but they are needed when you want to finest features of Planets.

With Monsoon done&continued Surprise Showers...we could hardly see anything in the sky for the past few months... So enjoy the Night Sky which is also an Ancient Heritage of Earthlings. 

Diwali-Universal Prayer for Economic Freedom@Harmony with Nature

WE WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY DIWALI.
On this day let's wish for People (irrespective of Caste/Creed/Religion/Nation)across the world "Economic Freedom" which gives every Human  unrestricted access to things (Food, Shelter, Work, Education, Health etc.)necessary for all round development/Survival in Harmony with Nature.