Hubble Telescope celebrates 35 years in space with ethereal cosmic pictures
The Hubble Space Telescope is celebrating 35 years in orbit with the release of stunning new images from deep space, showcasing its enduring legacy as one of humanity's most innovative astronomical instruments.Launched on April 24, 1990, Hubble has transformed our understanding of the cosmos, and this anniversary marks a milestone with a collection of breathtaking views captured recently.Among the highlights is a detailed composite of Mars taken between December 28 and 30, 2024, when the planet was about 98 million kilometers from Earth.
This is a combination of Hubble Space Telescope images of Mars taken from December 28th to 30th, 2024. (Photo: ESA)
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The images reveal thin water-ice clouds visible in ultraviolet light that give Mars a frosty, ethereal appearance.The northern polar cap is seen at the start of Martian spring, while prominent surface features such as the Tharsis volcanic plateau, the towering Olympus Mons volcano, and the vast Valles Marineris canyon system are clearly visible.The planet's atmosphere and icy limb glow with a delicate blue hue, emphasising the dynamic nature of Mars' climate.Hubble also unveiled an extraordinary view of the planetary nebula NGC 2899, located roughly 4,500 light-years away in the constellation Vela.This nebula displays a striking bipolar, cylindrical gas outflow shaped by radiation and stellar winds from a hot white dwarf at its center.
NGC 5335 is categorized as a flocculent spiral galaxy with patchy streamers of star formation across its disk. (Photo: ESA)
advertisementThe nebula's intricate structure includes a fragmented ring resembling a half-eaten doughnut and a forest of gaseous pillars pointing back to the radiation source.The vivid colours arise from glowing hydrogen and oxygen gases, illustrating the complex interactions sculpting this celestial object.Another remarkable image zooms into a small section of the Rosette Nebula, a massive star-forming region 5,200 light-years distant. The photo captures dark hydrogen gas clouds laced with dust, eroded by intense radiation from central stars.
This Hubble Space Telescope image captures the beauty of the moth-like planetary nebula NGC 2899. (Photo: ESA)
A young star embedded in the nebula launches jets of plasma that collide with surrounding cold gas, creating shock waves that glow red. The colors in the image come from hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen emissions.Finally, Hubble presents a face-on view of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 5335. This flocculent spiral galaxy, about 100 million light-years away, features patchy star-forming regions and a prominent central bar that channels gas inward, fueling ongoing star birth.
This is a Hubble Space Telescope photo of a small portion of the Rosette Nebula, a huge star-forming region spanning 100 light-years across. (Photo: ESA)
Unlike many galaxies, NGC 5335 lacks well-defined spiral arms, highlighting the diversity of galactic structures in the universe.These images not only celebrate Hubble's 35 years of groundbreaking science but also show its continued role in revealing the beauty and complexity of the cosmos.Hubble is now joined by the James Webb Space Telescope as they hunt for new discoveries, alien worlds, new galaxies in the vastness of the universe.Trending Reel
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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
To infinity and beyond: 10 books on space that will change how you see the universe
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The masterful narrative reconstructs the 108 minutes that changed history aboard Vostok 1. But this is no dry historical chronicle, it's a cinematic retelling, drawn from declassified Soviet documents and firsthand testimonies, that captures the frantic, secretive race to beat America to space. From the tension-ridden corridors of Sergei Korolev's covert design bureau to Gagarin's near-fatal re-entry, the book makes for a compelling read. As India eyes its own crewed spaceflights, Gagarin's journey reminds us that sending a human into orbit is as much an act of geopolitical theatre as of scientific courage. Why read it: In this genre-bending work of narrative science, astrophysicist and folklorist Moiya McTier gives literal voice to the galaxy we call home. Speaking in the first person, the Milky Way narrates its own history with equal parts wit, wisdom, and cosmological clarity. McTier blends frontier astrophysics (black holes, stellar death, dark matter) with global creation myths, inviting the reader into a dialogue between science and storytelling. For Indian readers raised on celestial mythology, from Chandra to Rahu, this book provides a uniquely resonant cosmic perspective. Why read it: Mars has long fired the human imagination, and planetary scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson brings both rigour and reverence to its study. Interweaving personal memoir with planetary science, Johnson traces humankind's evolving obsession with the Red Planet—from Victorian fantasies of Martian canals to the robotic rovers of today. A standout feature is her fieldwork in Earth's own Martian analogues, from Antarctica's Dry Valleys to Australia's salt flats, where she hones tools to detect extraterrestrial life. The book is a poetic ode to exploration, perseverance, and scientific hope. 4. 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As the principal investigator of NASA's Psyche mission, set to explore a metal-rich asteroid that may unlock secrets of planetary formation, Elkins-Tanton is a scientist of extraordinary achievement. Yet her personal journey, from a childhood of abuse to the male-dominated halls of academia, is just as compelling. Indian readers, especially women in STEM, will find inspiration in her resilience. 6. The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein Why read it: Theoretical physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein confronts the inequities embedded in modern science, while celebrating the profound beauty of the cosmos. One of the few Black women to earn a PhD in physics, she brings a radical clarity to the politics of knowledge. She moves fluidly from quantum chromodynamics to Star Trek, from the physics of melanin to the injustice of underrepresentation. For Indian readers reckoning with caste, gender, and access in science, Prescod-Weinstein offers both a critique and a vision: a more inclusive future in which everyone owns the night sky. 7. Back to Earth by Nicole Stott Why read it: Nicole Stott has seen Earth from above—and returned changed. In Back to Earth, the retired NASA astronaut reflects on what orbiting the planet taught her about connection, sustainability, and collective responsibility. This is not a technical memoir but a guide for planetary stewardship, drawn from spaceflight's unique vantage point. Stott explores biodiversity, climate resilience, and the ethics of interdependence. She points out that we are all crewmates on a fragile spaceship called Earth. 8. Space: The India Story by Dinesh C Sharma As a developing nation once seen as an 'underdog,' India has led the space research race with remarkable frugality and innovation, carving a stellar place in the global space community. This book traces six decades of India's journey in space exploration, from grappling with poverty and hunger to becoming a global leader in space research. Highlighting milestones such as the Chandrayaan-3 mission—which cost half as much as the film Oppenheimer—and the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, the narrative blends science and history. It celebrates the unsung heroes of Indian space research, their trials, and triumphs, making Space a compelling and inspiring account of India's cosmic journey. 9. To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Lindsey Nyx Walker From the world's most celebrated astrophysicist comes an illustrated, witty, and engaging narrative that explores the universe from the solar system to the farthest reaches of space. Tyson and Walker bring astrophysics down to Earth with humor, blending mythology, history, and pop culture references. Readers journey through space and time, learning about phenomena from the Big Bang to black holes, and exploring the mysteries of the cosmos—such as light's dual nature, black holes, parallel worlds, and time travel. This book is perfect for science enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the universe's greatest puzzles, combining scientific rigor with an entertaining style. for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach Known as 'America's funniest science writer' (Washington Post), Mary Roach explores the strange and fascinating realities of living and working in space. This bestseller takes readers on a quirky, entertaining journey into the science behind space travel and life without gravity. From the Space Shuttle training toilet to crash tests of NASA's new space capsule, Roach combines humour and hard science to reveal the weird and wonderful aspects of surviving the void. It's an accessible and highly engaging look at what it really takes to live beyond Earth.
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
NASA captures stunning image of Mars' towering volcano Arsia Mons
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India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
India in Orbit: Shubhanshu's ISS Mission and How the World Trains to Become Astronauts
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The other two members of the crew are Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, an astronaut from Poland representing the European Space Agency (ESA), and Tibor Kapu, an astronaut from Hungary. Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Crew: Diverse Expertise for Space Exploration Peggy Whitson, born February 9, 1960, in Mount Ayr, Iowa, is an American astronaut and biochemist. She holds a Ph.D. from Rice University. Before NASA, she had no formal flying experience. With NASA, she spent 675 days in space, a U.S. record. Now with Axiom Space, she commands Ax-4, her fifth ISS mission. Shubhanshu Shukla, born October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is an Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut. A National Defence Academy graduate, he was commissioned in 2006. With over 2,000 hours of flying experience on aircraft like Su-30 MKI and MiG-21, he pilots Ax-4, his first ISS mission and first space travel experience. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, born April 12, 1984, in Łódź, Poland, is a Polish engineer and ESA project astronaut. He holds degrees with honors from Łódź University of Technology and Université de Nantes (2008), and a Ph.D. from Université d'Aix-Marseille (2011). With no prior flying experience, he worked at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) and STMicroelectronics. He's a mission specialist for Ax-4, his first ISS mission and first space travel experience. Tibor Kapu, born November 5, 1991, in Vásárosnamény, Hungary, is a Hungarian mechanical engineer and astronaut. He holds a master's degree from Budapest University of Technology and Economics, specializing in polymer technology. With no prior flying experience, he worked in pharmaceuticals, logistics, and space radiation protection. Selected for the HUNOR program, he's a mission specialist for Ax-4, his first ISS mission and first space travel experience. The Evolution of Astronaut Selection Cool Heads, Not Just Pilots: Early Space Programs In the early days of space travel, most U.S. astronauts were selected from the military as test pilots. However, this wasn't mainly because of their flying skills. Instead, it was because they were trained to stay calm and make quick decisions under extreme pressure—a vital quality for space missions. The spacecraft used in programs like Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo didn't need much flying or steering once they were in space. These capsules had very limited controls while orbiting, and they returned to Earth using parachutes, not by being flown like an aircraft. So, being a good pilot was less important than being mentally strong and prepared to handle emergencies. Mercury Program: NASA's first human spaceflight program (1958–1963), aimed to send a man into space and return him safely. It proved humans could survive space travel and paved the way for more advanced missions. Gemini Program: Conducted between 1961 and 1966, the Gemini program focused on developing space travel techniques like spacewalks, long-duration missions, and docking spacecraft—essential skills needed for Apollo's Moon landings. Apollo Program: NASA's most famous space program (1961–1972), Apollo achieved the first human Moon landing in 1969. It aimed to explore the Moon, test space travel technology, and demonstrate U.S. leadership in space during the Cold War era. The Space Shuttle Era: Pilots and Specialists In 1978, NASA brought in a major change with the launch of the space shuttle. Unlike earlier spacecraft, the shuttle acted like a laboratory and control center in space. But when returning to Earth, it didn't use parachutes. Instead, it came down like a fast-moving glider and had to land on a runway, which was quite difficult to control. Because of this, NASA started selecting two different types of astronaut candidates. The first group had to be experienced jet pilots, trained to fly the shuttle and later promoted to become mission commanders. The second group didn't need to be pilots—though a few were. These candidates had strong science, engineering, or medical backgrounds and were trained to become mission specialists, working on experiments, research, and technical operations during space missions. International Cooperation in Space From 1992 onwards, as preparations began for future missions to the International Space Station (ISS), people from different countries were selected as international mission specialist candidates. These mission specialists were trained to handle important tasks during a space mission, including operating systems on the space shuttle or space station, managing experiments and equipment, and conducting spacewalks. Specialized Roles in Space Missions Beyond Astronauts: Payload Specialists Apart from pilots and mission specialists, there was a third group of people who also flew on the space shuttle—called payload specialists. These individuals were chosen for specific missions because they had special knowledge about certain experiments or equipment. Even though the public often called them astronauts, payload specialists were not selected through NASA's formal astronaut program and didn't receive full astronaut training. They were not considered career astronauts by NASA but were invited for specific missions because of their expertise, according to Britannica. In the 1980s, even two U.S. Congress members flew on the space shuttle as payload specialists. One of the most well-known payload specialists was Christa McAuliffe, a schoolteacher selected for the 'Teacher in Space' program. Tragically, she was on board the Challenger space shuttle, which exploded during launch. Requirements and Selection Process People who want to become astronauts can come from either civilian backgrounds or the military. Except for those applying as education mission specialists, everyone must have a college degree in engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, or mathematics. Both men and women can apply, either as pilot candidates or mission specialists. To become an astronaut, a person must submit a formal application to NASA or ISRO in India and go through a strict selection process. This includes personal interviews, medical tests, and an introduction to the space program to assess their fitness for the role. NASA says that astronaut candidates should be team players who can also work independently when needed. They are expected to have a wide range of skills and be flexible, confident, and reliable. Most people chosen by NASA to become astronaut candidates are usually in their mid-30s. There are also height requirements. The maximum height allowed is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), and the minimum height is 4 feet 10.5 inches (149 cm). However, those applying as pilots must be at least 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. Training for Space: Simulators to Reality Astronauts train using simulators and special equipment that replicate real mission conditions. They practice handling different situations, including emergencies, so they are fully prepared for any challenge during their time in space. Once an astronaut is chosen for a mission, they start training with their fellow crew members for several months. If the mission involves a long stay on the International Space Station (ISS), they may also need to learn Russian, since Russian is one of the main languages used on the ISS. After the space shuttle program ended and long-term missions on the International Space Station began, the difference between pilot astronauts and mission specialists no longer mattered. Now, astronauts from any background can be chosen for ISS missions. When astronauts are not on a space mission, they remain active by working in mission control, communicating with astronauts in space, or taking on leadership and management responsibilities within NASA. The Russian Approach: Cosmonauts In the Russian space program, cosmonauts have usually been divided into two main roles—mission commanders, who are mostly trained pilots, and flight engineers, who handle technical tasks during the mission. Just like in the United States, people who want to become cosmonauts must go through a strict and detailed medical check-up that can take several months to ensure they are physically and mentally fit for long stays in space. Cosmonaut candidates train at the Yury Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, near Moscow. Their training begins with two years of basic lessons about space travel. After completing this, they are officially called cosmonauts. Next, they spend up to two more years learning how to use space equipment and systems, preparing for future space missions. Only after completing all the basic and advanced training can a person be assigned to a specific space mission. Even then, they must go through another year or more of special training to get fully ready for launch. Unlike the U.S. astronaut training before the late 1990s—which mainly focused on specific tasks for short space shuttle missions—the Soviet, and now Russian, training system always focused more on general spaceflight knowledge and problem-solving skills needed for long stays in space. However, since the late 1990s, the U.S. has also shifted its training style to provide broader training similar to the Russian approach. Global Space Programs and Space Tourism Besides the astronaut training programs in the United States, Russia, and China—the only countries with their own rockets and spacecraft to send humans to space—other countries also have astronaut training systems. The European Space Agency (ESA), which includes 22 countries, along with Japan and Canada, have their own government-sponsored astronaut training programs, which follow methods similar to NASA. India is also developing its human spaceflight program under ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). For its upcoming Gaganyaan mission, Indian astronauts (Gagannauts) have already undergone initial training in Russia, and India is building its own astronaut training facility near Bengaluru for future missions. People chosen by other countries to go to space usually train with NASA, Roscosmos (Russia's space agency), or both. Those preparing for International Space Station missions may also receive specialized training in Europe, Japan, or Canada, especially to learn how to operate space station equipment from those countries. Some people have traveled to space as private citizens, not as part of a government space program. A few were sponsored by their employers—for example, Japanese TV journalist Akiyama Toyohiro, who went to the Mir space station in December 1990 to report from space. Others paid for the trip themselves. These include Dennis Tito (USA), Mark Shuttleworth (South Africa), Gregory Olsen (USA), Anousheh Ansari (born in Iran, living in the USA), Charles Simonyi (born in Hungary, living in the USA), Richard Garriott (UK-born, USA-based), and Guy Laliberté (Canada). Between 2001 and 2009, they all made short visits to the International Space Station on Russian spacecraft, spending millions of dollars for the experience. These travelers are officially called spaceflight participants, but they are also commonly known as space tourists, as reported by Britannica. ( Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@ )
