Antariksh Archives

This internal talk presented various theories regarding the origin of the universe and the formation of our solar system. It discussed the Steady State Theory, suggesting a constant universe through ongoing matter creation, and the Pulsating Theory, which posits infinite cycles of expansion and contraction. The widely accepted Big Bang Theory describes the universe emerging from a singularity around 13.8 billion years ago. Additionally, it covered the Gaseous, Nebular, and Planetesimal Hypotheses for solar system formation. Each theory, while offering insights, has its limitations, prompting further exploration into the universe's origins.

The event "Instrumentation and Engineering in Astronomy" featured a talk by Ashish Mhaske, a scientific officer at IUCAA. The discussion covered the role of engineers in astronomy, focusing on electromagnetic wave detectors, particle detectors, and gravitational wave detectors like LIGO. It highlighted opportunities for engineers in building and maintaining astronomical instruments, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of astronomy. The session concluded with a Q&A, addressing topics such as gravitational wave detection, dark matter observation, and India's advancements in astronomy.

On October 5th, Shrava Bhandary from the Antriksh Club of VI delivered a talk on H1 Line Emission, exploring the 21 cm wavelength in radio astronomy and its role in understanding the Milky Way's structure. The 21 cm line, emitted by neutral hydrogen, allows astronomers to peer through cosmic dust and map galactic features like spiral arms and star-forming regions. The talk covered essential concepts like the Doppler Effect for tracking galactic motion and Kepler’s Laws. The unexpected constant rotational velocity in the Milky Way's outer regions hinted at dark matter's presence, revealing new dimensions in galactic dynamics.

The field of exoplanet discovery and research has grown significantly since the first confirmed detection in 1992. This article reviews prominent methods for detecting exoplanets, primarily focusing on Doppler Spectroscopy and Transit Photometry. The Doppler method analyzes spectral shifts caused by the gravitational influence of orbiting planets, while Transit Photometry measures the periodic dimming of a star's light as a planet transits its disk. Both methods have led to the identification of numerous exoplanets, including intriguing cases like Kepler-452b, HD 189733 b, and TOI-4603b. Despite their successes, challenges remain, necessitating continual advancements in detection techniques. The paper concludes by highlighting the potential of upcoming missions like TESS and the James Webb Telescope to further enhance our understanding of exoplanets.

Integral Field Spectroscopy (IFS) is an innovative observational technique in astronomy that simultaneously captures spatial and spectral information across a two-dimensional field of view, creating comprehensive three-dimensional data cubes. This method significantly enhances our understanding of celestial objects, enabling the detailed mapping of physical, chemical, and kinematic properties of galaxies, nebulae, and star-forming regions. The article explores the principles of IFS, its applications in studying ionized gas, and its role in detecting faint emission line sources. By drawing upon recent studies, particularly those related to advanced surveys like the MUSE project, we highlight IFS's contributions to extragalactic astronomy and its potential to uncover the intricacies of galaxy formation, evolution, and the dynamics of dark matter.

This article explores the evolution and formation of white dwarf stars, tracing their development from star formation in nebulas to their final stages of life. White dwarfs are remnants of medium-sized stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel, like our Sun. The article details the processes leading to their creation, their unique properties such as extreme heat and low luminosity, and their cooling process over billions of years. Additionally, it discusses the significance of white dwarfs in understanding stellar evolution and the future of similar stars, highlighting the role they play in the dynamics of the universe.