Antariksh Archives

Aditya Bhoite from Antariksh Core delivered an internal talk titled "COSMIC CHRONICLES: Unveiling the Universe from Radio Waves to Galactic Structure" at Lecture Hall 1409, VIT. Attended by 12 students, the talk explored the electromagnetic spectrum, focusing on radio waves and their significance in understanding cosmic structures. Aditya discussed key concepts such as brightness, luminosity, and intensity, supported by mathematical representations. He recommended several foundational texts for further study in astrophysics. The session encouraged student engagement and interest in the subject, contributing positively to the Antariksh club's initiatives in promoting astrophysics awareness.

On August 11, 2023, the Antariksh Club at Vishwakarma Institute of Technology hosted its second internal talk titled "Evolution of Astronomy," presented by club member Sahil Sawant. The event, attended by 15 enthusiastic volunteers, explored the journey of astronomy from ancient times to modern advancements. Guided by mentor Jameer Manur from IUCAA, Pune, attendees were taken through space-time paradoxes, the contributions of ancient astronomers like Aryabhatta, and key figures such as Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. The talk also touched on modern cosmic quests, including radio astronomy and LIGO India's efforts to study gravitational waves. The engaging presentation inspired attendees to further explore the mysteries of the universe.

The successful launch of ISRO's PSLV-C56 mission highlights India's growing capabilities in space exploration. The mission placed Singapore's DS-SAR satellite and six co-passenger satellites into orbit, demonstrating technical precision and international collaboration. This achievement strengthens India-Singapore relations and showcases ISRO's commitment to sustainable space practices, as evidenced by the PS4 de-orbiting experiment. The mission underscores the importance of global partnerships in advancing satellite technology, fostering innovation, and ensuring responsible use of space resources.

On August 4, 2023, the Antariksh Club hosted an enlightening weekly talk titled "Introduction to Sky and Astronomy" presented by Chanchal Rathad at Vishwakarma Institute of Technology. With 17 attendees, the session explored cosmic themes, from the Big Bang to Black Holes, and featured insights into constellations and celestial phenomena. Mentorship from Jameer Manur and faculty advisors, Dr. Shripad Bhatlawande and Dr. Shital Raut, was pivotal in the event's success. The talk culminated in discussions about the Saraswati Supercluster, leaving participants inspired to further their cosmic exploration.

Prof. Ajit Kembhavi's lecture provided an in-depth exploration of modern astronomical techniques, focusing on the impact of Earth's atmosphere on observations and advancements in telescope technology. He discussed adaptive optics, which compensates for atmospheric distortions, and highlighted significant telescopes like the Keck and the upcoming 30 Meter Telescope. Prof. Kembhavi emphasized India's growing role in global astronomy, showcasing contributions from institutions like the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. He also covered space missions, including the Mars Orbiter and Astrosat, and upcoming initiatives like the Aditya mission, underscoring the importance of technological innovations for advancing our understanding of the universe.

LIGO India is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing gravitational wave astronomy by improving detection and localization of cosmic events. Established under the Indian Initiative in Gravitational Wave Observations, it addresses limitations of existing detectors by introducing a third observatory that significantly refines triangulation capabilities. The project promises advancements in astrophysics, fundamental science, and technology, while also fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration. As construction progresses, LIGO India is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, paving the way for new discoveries and educational opportunities for students and researchers in various fields.