Tag: NASA

Human Interest

The Longest Solar Eclipse of the Century Is Coming on August 2, 2027

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

On August 2, 2027, the Earth will witness a stunning celestial event unlike anything seen in over a century โ€” a total solar eclipse lasting over six minutes. Stretching across regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe, this astronomical marvel is being hailed by scientists and space agencies as the longest and most significant eclipse of the 21st century.

For a full six minutes and twenty-three seconds in some locations, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, turning day into twilight, casting mysterious shadows, and revealing the elusive solar corona โ€” a sight that most people on Earth will never experience in their lifetime.

The Path of Totality
 The eclipse’s path of totality will cross countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman, before reaching southern parts of Europe such as Greece and Turkey. This rare alignment offers a unique opportunity for scientists to study the Sunโ€™s atmosphere and for travelers to witness a once-in-a-generation event.

Why It Matters
 NASA and astronomers worldwide are preparing for this eclipse years in advance. Not only is it the longest of this century, but it’s also an ideal opportunity for solar research and public engagement in astronomy.

This event will be especially meaningful for regions in its direct path โ€” many of which have not experienced a total solar eclipse for centuries and wonโ€™t again for a long time. The next similarly long eclipse won’t happen until June 13, 2127.

Planning Your Eclipse Experience
 Whether youโ€™re an avid skywatcher, a science educator, or a curious traveler, this eclipse is worth traveling for. Eclipse tourism is expected to boom in affected areas, so early planning is essential.

๐Ÿ“Œ Key Details:

  • Date: August 2, 2027
  • Duration of Totality: Up to 6 minutes, 23 seconds
  • Regions Affected: North Africa, the Middle East, Southern Europe
  • Next Opportunity: Not until 2127

Where will you be when the sky goes dark?

International

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After Historic Space Mission

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New Delhi, July 2025 โ€“ In a moment that has stirred national pride and emotion, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after an inspiring 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

The mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and international space agencies including ISRO, aimed at advancing microgravity research, space-based technology experiments, and future commercial spaceflight training.

Shuklaโ€™s return was marked by a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams quickly retrieved the capsule. The astronaut was seen smiling and waving as he was helped out of the spacecraft and later reunited with his family in an emotional moment that was broadcast live.

Hailing from Indiaโ€™s space research hub in Bengaluru, Shukla became a national icon as one of the first Indians to board the ISS as part of a private commercial spaceflight mission. He conducted multiple experiments during his time in orbit, including studies on space agriculture, radiation impact on human cells, and zero-gravity engineering trials.

The Government of India and ISRO officials welcomed his return, calling it a “milestone moment for Indiaโ€™s space ambitions.”

“Shubhanshuโ€™s mission represents the next step in Indiaโ€™s human spaceflight journey. He has made the nation proud,” said an ISRO spokesperson.

With India gearing up for its own Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, Shuklaโ€™s experience is expected to play a pivotal role in training future astronauts and advancing India’s commercial space initiatives.

As celebrations continue, Shubhanshu Shuklaโ€™s homecoming reminds the world that India is not just reaching for the starsโ€”it’s touching them.

Human Interest

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Begin Return Journey to Earth on July 14

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Panaji, July 11, 2025: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to begin his return to Earth on July 14, 2025, aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, after a successful mission alongside international colleagues. Shukla, part of a multi-national crew including veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, Sล‚awosz Uznaล„ski-Wiล›niewski, and Tibor Kapu, has spent the past few weeks conducting scientific research and participating in international collaborative tasks in space.

The spacecraft will undock from the space-facing port of the Harmony module aboard the International Space Station (ISS), beginning the carefully coordinated descent back to Earth. The mission has been hailed as a significant milestone in Indiaโ€™s rising profile in global space exploration.

Shubhanshu Shuklaโ€™s journey marks a proud chapter for India, adding to the growing number of Indian-origin astronauts making their mark in space. This mission, supported by agencies like ISRO, NASA, and SpaceX, highlights the increasing collaboration between Indian and global space efforts.

The SpaceX Dragon capsule, known for its reusability and advanced safety features, will perform a controlled splashdown upon re-entry, concluding the mission that brought together innovation, international teamwork, and scientific advancement.

Shuklaโ€™s safe return is eagerly anticipated not just by mission control, but also by millions of proud Indians following his journey. His success is likely to inspire a new generation of Indian youth to dream beyond the skies.

Stay tuned for live updates and official re-entry coverage.

Science

Mars May Have Hosted a River More Powerful Than the Ganga, Say Scientists

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In a revelation that has stirred the scientific world, planetary researchers have found compelling evidence suggesting that Mars once had a vast river system โ€” possibly mightier than the Ganga, one of Earth’s largest and most powerful rivers.

This stunning discovery, made using high-resolution images from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and detailed terrain analysis, points to an ancient river network with deep canyons, wide channels, and evidence of fast-flowing water, indicating a much wetter and more Earth-like past for the Red Planet.

The River That Defied Expectations

The ancient Martian river is believed to have stretched for hundreds of kilometers and carved deep valleys through the surface, much like the Colorado River in the U.S. or the Ganga in India. Scientists from the SETI Institute and other collaborating institutions say the river could have flowed billions of years ago, possibly during the Noachian period, when Mars was warmer and had a thicker atmosphere.

โ€œThe sheer size and depth of the riverbeds suggest it wasnโ€™t just a trickle โ€” this was a dynamic system, possibly more powerful than any river system weโ€™ve known on modern Mars,โ€ said Dr. Joel Davis, planetary geologist and one of the study’s co-authors.

Clues to Life on Mars?

The discovery has revived hopes in the search for extraterrestrial life. Water is the cornerstone of life as we know it, and such powerful, persistent flows raise the possibility that microbial life may once have thrived on ancient Mars.

โ€œLarge river systems like this one could have sustained life-friendly conditions for extended periods,โ€ said Dr. Tanya Harrison, Mars scientist and science communicator. โ€œIt pushes us to think differently about Marsโ€™ potential habitability.โ€

How Was It Discovered?

Using stereo imaging from Mars orbiters, scientists were able to reconstruct 3D models of terrain features. The depth and width of some channels โ€” over 30 feet deep and hundreds of meters wide โ€” indicated high-energy water flow, suggesting prolonged river activity rather than isolated flooding events.

Implications for Future Missions

The discovery could influence where future Mars missions, especially those looking for signs of past life, may focus their explorations. These ancient river valleys could be prime candidates for drilling and sampling, possibly containing trapped sediments or fossilized microbial life.

Conclusion

This Martian river, mightier than the Ganga, not only reshapes our understanding of Marsโ€™ history but also deepens the mystery of the Red Planetโ€™s once-thriving environment. As exploration continues, this discovery adds to growing evidence that Mars was once much more Earth-like than we ever imagined.

Stay tuned as scientists dig deeper into the secrets hidden in the Martian soil โ€” and possibly rewrite our cosmic history.

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Astronaut Sunita Williams to Witness 16 Sunrises on New Year’s Day Aboard ISS

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As the world prepares to bid adieu to 2024 and welcome 2025, US astronaut Sunita Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is in for a unique experience. Due to the ISS’s incredible orbital speed, Williams will witness not one, not two, but 16 stunning sunrises on New Year’s Day.

A Result of ISS’s Orbital Speed

The ISS orbits the Earth at an astonishing speed of approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,400 miles per hour). This results in the space station completing one orbit around our planet every 90 minutes. As a consequence, the crew on board experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.

Celebrating New Year’s in Space

Despite witnessing multiple sunrises, the ISS crew follows the Universal Time Clock (UTC), which is closely related to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone in London. This allows them to celebrate the New Year at a unified time, along with the rest of the world.

Sunita Williams’ Extended Stay on ISS

Williams’ extended stay on the ISS is not just about taking in the breathtaking views of our planet. She is also part of several ongoing experiments and research projects aimed at advancing our understanding of space and its effects on the human body. Her return to Earth is scheduled for February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.

A Unique Perspective on Time and Space

As Williams and her crew welcome 2025, they will do so with a unique perspective on time and space. Their experience serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible feats of human ingenuity and exploration that continue to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sunita Williams’ journey and the latest developments from the world of space exploration.