Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Captures A Slice Of The Cosmos From His Bengaluru Home
Shukla, who returned from space earlier this year, continues to share his love for astronomy through striking night sky photographs shot from his rooftop.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the only Indian aboard the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has shared detailed images of the Orion Nebula taken from the rooftop of his home in Bengaluru.
Shukla, who returned from the International Space Station with commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), posted close-up photos on his X account. The images feature the Orion Nebula in sharp detail, with the Horsehead Nebula clearly visible at its center.
Shukla, who is undergoing post-mission medical checks and recovery, took up astrophotography after returning from training at Star City, Russia. He shared that aboard the ISS, he frequently spent time in the Cupola, which is the station's panoramic viewing module, and capturing Earth and celestial views.
In the X post, he wrote, 'I started into astrophotography upon returning to India after my first leg of training at GCTC, Russia. The pictures in sequence are of the same interstellar object M42 (M stands for Messier- Name of the catalogue that maintains all night sky objects) also known as the Orion Nebula. Over time we got better that is evident from the last photo. All the pictures were clicked from the night sky of Bengaluru. Slow or fast, if you keep moving progress is guaranteed".
After completing the mission, Shukla spoke of how impossible it is to see any borders from space. During a live video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, 'After seeing Earth from outside, the first thought that came to mind was that Earth looks completely one; no border is visible from outside…We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home".
On his exchange with PM Modi aboard the ISS, Shukla said, 'The sky has never been the limit. Not for me, not for India." He added that India's flag now flies aboard the space station for the first time in history.
According to a report by Moneycontrol, Shubhanshu Shukla's mission research highlights included seven experiments led by Shukla, including stem‑cell studies aimed at preventing muscle loss in microgravity, work that has potential terrestrial applications for ageing populations. He described absorbing these lessons 'like a sponge" and expressed confidence they would prove 'highly valuable" for India's Gaganyaan programme
During that same exchange, Shukla described India as 'truly grand" from space, saying it appears 'bigger than it does on the map." Modi praised him for 'hoisting the flag of India in space" and said his journey was 'the shubh‑aarambh (auspicious beginning) of a new era".
view comments
First Published:
July 24, 2025, 18:27 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Revolutionising disease's treatment: Twin study identifies novel risk genes, molecular subtypes in thyroid cancer among Indians
In a significant leap for cancer research and precision medicine, a twin Indian study has decoded the complex genetic architecture of thyroid cancer — one of the most common endocrine malignancies. Researchers from Tata Memorial Centre and the Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, South Campus, have shed new light on how thyroid cancer behaves in Indian patients, identifying novel risk genes and molecular subtypes that could revolutionise diagnosis and treatment. Both the studies were published back-to-back in 'JCO Global Oncology.' The research is spearheaded by graduate student Vaishakhi Trivedi under the mentorship of Dr Kumar Prabhash and Dr Amit Dutt. 'Our work not only adds data to global cancer databases — it also redefines what is known about thyroid cancer in the Indian population,' Professor Dutt said. The first study concerns papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which accounts for 80-85 per cent of all thyroid cancer cases in India. This is considered treatable. The team analysed DNA from 100 Indian patients and found mutations in the DUOX2 gene found in nearly nine per cent of cases. 'This gene, previously known for its role in thyroid hormone production, now appears to be a genetic red flag for recurrence and poor prognosis. This is the first time DUOX2 has been implicated as a predisposing factor in PTC. It offers an opportunity for early detection and potentially life-saving interventions,' Prof Dutt said. The study even identified two different subtypes associated with aggressive cancer and high recurrence. The BRAF-RAS-driven subtype makes up 62 per cent of cases and is identified by mutations that are often tied to more aggressive tumour behaviour. The iBR (Independent of BRAF-RAS) subtype is a newly-defined category. 'This group lacks traditional mutations but shows alarming signs of treatment resistance and high recurrence. It is marked by alterations in genes like SMAD4 and TG — a previously uncharted territory for thyroid oncologists,' said Dr Prabhash. This dual classification signals a new era of care where treatments are tailored to the patient's genetic profile rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. While PTC is common and often curable, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is its deadly cousin — rare, fast-moving and resistant to nearly every treatment in the book. In a separate study, the research team examined 68 samples and found mutations in the THRA gene in 11 per cent of Indian patients with ATC. This is in sharp contrast to Caucasian datasets. 'THRA, a gene tied to thyroid hormone signalling, appears to be a key player in cellular plasticity or the process by which cancer cells morph, lose their identity and become more aggressive. THRA mutations are like flipping the switch. They make the cancer harder to kill but they also give us a target. That's a rare silver lining,' Dr Prabhash explained. These findings offer practical methods of how thyroid cancers are diagnosed, treated and managed in Indian patients. 'Patients with DUOX2 mutations could be monitored proactively, much like BRCA testing in breast cancer. This may help in diagnosing aggressive PTC and ATC early and prevent a relapse,' Prof Dutt said. Researchers also added that therapies that restore THRA function may finally give ATC patients a fighting chance. 'We need a personalised roadmap for thyroid cancer. With the promise of advanced tools like CRISPR gene editing and small-molecule inhibitors, these discoveries could soon migrate from the lab bench to the bedside,' the researchers said. 'Genetic profiling should be as routine as a biopsy,' said Vaishakhi Trivedi. 'We have the science. Now we need the systems to support it.' Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
India discovers rare earth in MP coalfields as China curbs squeeze industries: Minister
Promising reserves of rare earth elements have been found in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy told Parliament on Monday. Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of metallic elements, including scandium and yttrium, widely used in clean energy technologies, electronics, electric vehicles and various industrial applications. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Reddy said that Coal India Ltd (CIL) has undertaken research and development projects linked to rare earth elements present in coal mine waste. 'Results from appraisal of Gondwana Sediments (coal, clay, shale, Sandstone) for Trace Elements & REE concentration in the Singrauli coalfield, indicate that REE are 'promising' in nature (with an enrichment of 250 ppm on a whole coal basis in coal samples and 400 ppm in non-coal samples),' the minister said. He added that extracting REEs economically would depend on advances in technology and achieving economies of scale. Findings from the assessment of rare earth elements and other resources in the North Eastern Region Coalfield indicate that while the total REE content is low, the proportion of heavy REE is relatively high. Efforts are underway to develop indigenous technology for extracting critical minerals , including REE, from the overlying strata of coalfields in the northeast. The objective is to create an enrichment method for critical metals from non-coal strata using physical separation techniques, as well as a method to extract these metals from non-coal strata and acid mine drainage through ion-exchange resin. The minister said that Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has entered into memoranda of understanding with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar; the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad; and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad to conduct research in this area. India's key industrial sectors, ranging from transport equipment to electronics, depend heavily on imports of rare earth elements, with China being the main supplier. A recent analysis by the State Bank of India (SBI) suggested that continuing restrictions on Chinese rare earth exports could have a significant effect on domestic manufacturing. It said these curbs could influence local production capacity, hurt the export competitiveness of Indian industries that rely on these materials, and potentially affect the financial exposure of banks lending to these sectors. Rare earth is a subset of critical minerals with wide applications in many emerging technologies. Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are central to modern industrial production because of their unique physical and chemical properties, which help reduce energy consumption, enable miniaturisation and provide thermal stability in advanced manufacturing processes. (with PTI inputs)
India Today
3 hours ago
- India Today
20 years later, Shah Rukh Khan's Swades BTS pics go viral, fans get nostalgic
Even after 20 years, Ashutosh Gowariker's film 'Swades' still touches hearts and wins praise from people. A fresh wave of nostalgia hit fans recently when unseen behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos from the film's shoot surfaced online. This sparked excitement on social pictures, shared on Instagram, feature Shah Rukh Khan, director Ashutosh Gowariker, producer Peter Rawley, and actor Rahul Vohra. One image shows them standing in front of a wall with a spaceship mural, reflecting the film's NASA connection. Others showcase candid moments on set, including stills from intense scenes and open-ground shots with the crew. advertisementFans flooded the comments section with heartfelt reactions. While many praised the film as a 'masterpiece' and 'cult classic,' several expressed their desire to see the movie re-released in theatres. One user wrote, 'My all-time favourite movie. Kyuki isme Indian culture ko dikhaya gaya hai. Kya performance hai (Because it showcases Indian culture. What a performance!)' Another added, 'Masterpiece by SRK.' Released in 2004, 'Swades' tells the story of Mohan Bhargav (played by Shah Rukh Khan), a NASA scientist who returns to India in search of his roots. His journey takes him to a rural village where he reconnects with his childhood nanny (played by the late Kishori Ballal), meets a strong-willed teacher (Gayatri Joshi), and becomes involved in uplifting the local it underperformed at the box office during its initial run, 'Swades' has since earned a devoted fanbase, celebrated for its thoughtful storytelling, soul-stirring music by AR Rahman, and Shah Rukh Khan's memorable performance.- EndsTrending Reel
