Total Solar Eclipse on 1st August, 2008

Total Solar Eclipse will occur on 1st August, 2008. This is last Solar Eclipse of the Year. This Eclipse will be visible in the region covering northern and eastern parts of North America, Greenland, northern Europe and Asia except Japan.

In Indian Standard Time (IST) the different phases of Eclipse begins at 1.34 noon and end at 6.08 p.m. in the evening. The Central Phase of Eclipse begins at 2. 52 p.m. and Ends at 4.50 p.m. whereas the greatest eclipse occurs at 3.51 p.m. The duration of Total Phase of Eclipse is for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

In India - Partially Visible: Northern part of the country would witness approximately 60-65% of Sun disk obscured by moon, whereas as seen from southern part of the country around 30% of disk is obscured during the period of eclipse by moon (which comes in between sun and earth).

Other Places : for timings of eclipse in various states across the country Click Here

In Hyderabad: For people in Hyderabad can witness this eclipse partially though, when partial phase as seen from Hyderabad begins at 4.30 p.m. while it ends at 6.06 p.m.

Above Video of Solar Eclipse as seen from Hyderabad, India.

This video shows you Solar Eclipse (partial phase) on 1st August, 2008 as visible from india and neighboring countries.

This Video shows the shadow of moon passing through different countries. See India is under lighter side of shadow.

How to Watch Solar Eclipse safely ?
Click Here



Yes what you are seeing is right (above image is Courtesy NASA) ! With much talked "Solar Filter" available at a cost and controversies about quality. The most and better option is indirect method of observation i.e. projection.

Led by N.Sri Raghunandan Kumar In the past society was in forefront in distribution of special googles fitted with Certified Solar Filters provided by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) Govt of India. However increase in cost of Certified Filter leading to enormous increase in cost society now endorses indirect observation.

Partial Lunar Eclipse on 16th August, 2008: Further this month a Partial Lunar eclipse will occur on 16th August, 2008 which is visible in entire India.

Next Total Solar Eclipse: will occur on 22nd July, 2009, where people in India can witness it in totality.

Space Camp - India - Astronaut Training

This is an urgent post made on recommendation of the executive committee.

In Last 2 days there have been number of calls from general public and student community regarding "Space Camp" conducted in USA. All most all network offices of the society was abuzz with calls in this regard. This is good sign to note when people started taking interest in Space Sciences.

The first set of calls were received by the society in response to "Gujarat Students Leave from Space Camp in US" published in various newspapers.

Second was in response to article in the Deccan Chronicle "Little Astronauts .... Space Camp India ". Initially we responded thinking that article was in response to activity conducted last year under the banner "Destination NASA" by some private organisation. However with call of support from Corporate agencies for sponsorship and todays article in The Hindu dated 7th August, 2008 inviting applications by Space Camp India, forced us to respond with post on this site with some clarfications.

Following are clarifications in response to the queries.


SOCIETY ROLE/ASTRONAUT TRAINING/TEENS AS ASTRONAUTS/VISIT TO SPACE CENTER ISSUE :

QUESTION 1. Does the society accept/facilitate any visit to "Space Camp"?

ANSWER. No as of now society does not have any such facility. However various Education linked projects with visit of students to space agencies are being planned by the society.

QUESTION 2. After participation in space camp OR attending Astronaut training programme at the camp. Does one gets certified as "Astronaut" ?
ANSWER. NO. Please do not be in this impression, as astronaut selection is different process. Just by participation in Space Camp from India you will not become a "Astronaut".

To know more about how to Astronauts Selection or Training Click here.

QUESTION:3. Is NASA going to study the effects of space on young teens?

ANSWER: Currently, NASA has no plans to send teenagers into space. Astronauts are selected through a normal process involving vigorous educational and physical training. Please click web site here for further information on becoming an astronaut. Click Here or here.

ARTICLE IN DECCAN CHRONICLE AND HINDU :

QUESTION 4. There is an article about applications being invited to be received by one "Space Camp India" ? Is it necessary to contact them if we have to visit U.S.SPACE CENTER ?
ANSWER. I. We are not sure about applications called for by that agency. Nor do we know about, if they have permission or authorised to receive such applications on behalf of U.S.SPACE CENTER. However, we have checked and there is no mention of said agency anywhere in the website of U.S. SPACE CENTER.

II.Any one interested can directly contact the U.S. Space Center, we like to suggest general public to directly contact the U.S. SPACE CENTER through their official website http://www.spacecamp.com/ >. In view of "Space Camp, India" organisation's noble intentions people may request their guidance. Here is the link in case you plan your visit considering various factors including costs. Click here various packages and rates.

FOR CORPORATE ORGANISATONS/SPONSORS ISSUE :
The said article asks for Sponsors support. We like to suggest that the nature of "Space Camp" is costly and private affair depending on choice of individual or educational institution. However society would welcome Corporate entities to encourage in sending "Government School Students or poor students". In this regard society would plan to facilitate the visit of such sponsored students.

5. I am a Parent/Executive/... Can i attend Space Camp ?
Ans. Yes you can . There are number of products/pacakages offered by the Space Center catering to different age groups. Please visit the www.spacecamp.com. see question 4 costs link above.

QUESTION 6. Does society help in Visa process etc...?
ANSWER: NO. For an educational trip of this sort, we feel there should not be much trouble. Letter of invitation or confirmation of participation in the space camp from the U.S. Space Center may immensely help.

QUESTION: Where is the office of "Space Camp India" ? Is it authorised by U.S. SPACE CENTER ?
Answer : Society is not aware about the office of the said organisation or its association. Yes its fact that 10 Years of society activities put us in high esteem.It is however very wrong to contact us. We suggest people consult the authorities at said organisation or U.S. SPACE CENTER for full details.


QUESTION 7. Often we see various campaigns by Planetary Society, USA or various government and non government organisations, private agencies. We get the feeling if these agencies are endorsed by NASA. What is society's position ?

Here is one of the guidelines of NASA extracted from NASA site in the context of this post.

"NASA material may not be used to state or imply the endorsement by NASA or by any NASA employee of a commercial product, service, or activity, or used in any manner that might mislead. If the NASA material is to be used for commercial purposes, especially including advertisements, it must not explicitly or implicitly convey NASA's endorsement of commercial goods or services. If a NASA image includes an identifiable person, using the image for commercial purposes may infringe that person's right of privacy or publicity, and permission should be obtained from the person."

Our Position :

Society in its all communication is always clear about above. Importantly society adopted various projects pertaining to various missions indirectly or directly with the help of partner organisations of the project. However though authorised for two projects society was always careful not endorse or claim endorsement from NASA/ESA other agencies in any form.

Caution :
However society likes to caution general public that in view of above clarifications kindly I. ensure utmost care be taken in your financial dealings with any organisation or persons. II.Please donot be carried away with "Sales Talk" or Promises. III. Articles in Newspaper doesn't doesn't validate all aspects of your decsion to visit the the center. Hence importantly ensure your are convinced with complete details or least contact the U.S. SPACE CENTER or Local embassy office of U.S. if need be.

*Space Camp India above referred is "Space Camp Ambassadors, India".

SEND YOUR NAME TO MOON - Date Extended Upto 31st July, 2008

Planetary Society, India celebrating International Lunar Decade and in true spirit UNISPACE III Declaration supports and likes to create awareness while initiating active participation of general public in “Send Your Name to Moon” & Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter project of NASA.

Society here by kindly invites general public particularly student community to be part of this historic mission. Understanding few steps you can register and download a certificate. There is no fee, registration, participation is free.


Participation Certificate: After you register your name an acknowledgment in the form of Certificate (duly numbered and dated) is provided for download.

How will your/ name go to Moon?

All registered names would be put onto a Micro Chip which in turn would be mounted on to LRO spacecraft by NASA. Further using registration number on the certificate anyone can cross check or retrieve or share their certificates once the database is published on the site after launch of mission in Oct/Nov.

NOTE FOR GENERAL PUBLIC :
Any person with interest in space sciences can also participate in this activity and send their respective names to moon with the help of NASA LRO MISSION based 'SEND YOUR NAME TO MOON' Project. Details visit the site www.moonrover.blogspot.com.

FOR SCHOOLS : Kindly download the Word file towards right side this article.
Newspaper clippings as appeared in Andhra Jyothi and Indian Express will be posted shortly.

Society invites schools to avail the excellent opportunity to Send Names to Moon on the LRO Mission. People can visit www.moonrover.info or www.moonrover.blogspot.com

What you have to do?
1. Prepare list of names (all/selected) of students.
2. Visit the site www.moonrover.blogspot.com or www.mooonrover.info for step by step details on how to register names and collect certificates of students to be part of LRO mission of NASA to Moon.
3. Again come back to main site click on Direct link
4. Register the names of students as per instructions provided in the tutorial.

Note : Alternatively Students with knowledge of Internet usage themselves can be asked to volunteer to register names selected by the school.

Eligibility & Fee: None
Last Date of Names Submission: 31st July, 08.

Special Session in Oct/Nov, 08: Society continuing its efforts would organize Special Multimedia Session “Journey to Moon” in Oct/Nov week before actual launch. For this among registrants society would select 500 Students representing different schools. Thus as the LRO visits moon in Oct/Nov participants can be happy that their name to travels to moon. If interested in participating in special session and activities of society as part of Lunar Decade. Send us the following : by email (preferably) at student.astonaut@gmail.com or info@planetarysocietyindia.org or C.D./Floppy .

i. List of names of all students (whom you registered) along with their certificate number.
ii. Letter nominating 10 students (from different standards) for selection to the Special Session “Journey to Moon” to be conducted by the society in Oct/Nov 2008 one week before actual launch of LRO, NASA.

Note: 1. Schools can nominate any student of their choice for attending the session.
2. Because of limited space only one or two students along with a teacher would
be invited for the session. Nominal expenses may be collected if needed providing material.
3. Efforts would be made to organize video or web conference involving an expert online with the help of American Astronautical Society and others.

Jupiter Opposition 09 July, 2008

For those who have come to this page in search of information for Jupiter Opposition in 2009 kindly click here for latest information. However the videos on this page can be still useful for educational purpose.

A Press Conference was conducted by the Society on 9th July, 2008. Prof. Vivekananda Rao, HOD,Director, Dept. of Astronomy, Prof.G.Yellaiah, Dept. of Astronomy along with Founder Secretary N.Sri Raghunandan Kumar addressed the media.

In Quick Brief to this Long Article - Here is list of Events on which the meet was held.
1. Jupiter Opposition on 9th July, 2008
2. Jupiter being closest to Earth on 10th July, 2008
3. Saturn Mars conjunction on 10th July, 2008
4. Earth at aphelion to Sun on 4th July, 2008.

Jupiter Opposition :

An Opposition occurs when the planet is opposite from the Sun relative to the Earth. At Opposition the planet will rise as the Sun sets and will set as the Sun rises providing an entire night of observation. Also at Opposition the planet comes physically closest to the Earth in it’s orbit so it appears as large as possible. On 9th July, 2008 Jupiter is at opposition.

Position of Planet Earth and Jupiter as seen from above :

Hence Planet Earth was at Opposition to Jupiter and Sun at 1.09 noon on 9th July, 2008. It would be Closest to earth on 10th July, 2008 at a distance of 4.1610 AU.

How to Locate Jupiter :
In the Evening :
One Hour after Sunset (by this time Jupiter be sufficiently up above Horizon clearing buildings/trees etc.) One has to look towards South East Direction for spotting Jupiter which appears like bright Non twinkling Star. However that is not a star but planet because Planets do not twinkle but just reflect Sun’s Light.

In Midnight for Night Owls:
This more appropriate time for telescope observers as Jupiter can be found high above Southern Horizon.

In Morning for Morning Walkers:
Morning walkers can spot Jupiter in South Western Sky one hour before Sun Rise.


Jupiter as Seen from Earth in Night sky :

Jupiter Opposition Campaign 2008 :

JUPITER OBSERVATION CAMPAIGN :
As a Prelude to International Year of Astronomy society announced launch of Jupiter Opposition Campaign.


Following is the video of Jupiter as seen from India from 9th July, 2008 to 31st December , 2008.

Jupiter Observation Campaign 2008
Uploaded by ssamedia

Please visit our site regularly for activities/sessions/workshops planned under this campaign over next few months up till end of the year.

Here is the link to article published in various
1. The Hindu - Click here

2. Deccan Chronicle (to be uploaded)

3. Andhra Jyothi (to be uploded)

Saturn Mars Conjunction And Earth at Aphelion

Conjunction of Planet Mars and Saturn :

On 10th July Saturn and Mars are at Conjunction. i.e. As seen from earth in the western sky they appear to be very close to one another.

If one observed the Sky in the beginning of year one could spot Planet Mars in the background of Stars in the Constellation of Cancer. And Saturn in the Constellation of Leo the lion.

However as seen from earth (kindly see the animation) one can see that Planet Mars is moving in the background of Stars in the Constellation of Leo the Lion. Where already Planet Saturn is found.

On 10th of July Mars would be in conjunction to Saturn at 6.11 p.m. Further it would be just 0.7 degree south of Planet Saturn and if one can not over next few days/months to come it can be found to moving into background of different constellations like Virgo etc.. This alignment of Planet Mars and Saturn will not happen this close until year 2022.

How to Observe/Direction:
After Sun Set if one looks toward the Western sky one can find two non twinkling bright stars like points. They are Planet Mars and Saturn.


Whether Telescope Needed ?

Naked Eye :
If Skies are clear. Spotting of Planet Jupiter can be done with greater ease as it would be shining all through the night rising from South Eastern sky and Setting in South western Sky.

Being far way Saturn and Mars can be spotted with little difficultly among other stars in the sky. However they would be visible like non twinkling tiny points in Western Sky.

With Telescope to Appreciate Finest Features :
However if one likes to study and appreciate the detailed view of above planets then they would require a astronomical telescope. Even View from Binocular would be splendid.


Earth at Aphelion :

At beginning of the Year Planet Earth was at Perihelion. i.e. in its orbit (ellipse or Egg shaped) or it was at nearest point to sun during course of it journey around Sun.

Presently on 4th July, 2008 Earth was at aphelion. That it is at farthest point from Sun.