Latest news with #theStation
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
"Hello Shubhanshu": iPhone Video Shows Space Station Soaring Over Delhi Skies
On July 8, at 5:42 AM IST, the International Space Station (ISS) illuminated the pre-dawn skies above Delhi, captivating onlookers in the capital city. The ISS, a marvel of human engineering and international collaboration, serves as a temporary home for astronauts, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently aboard the orbiting laboratory. This remarkable sighting was captured in stunning detail using an iPhone 16 from Delhi's Sainik Farms, showcasing the station as a bright, fast-moving object against the backdrop of the early morning sky. The ISS, orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometres, travels at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour, completing a full orbit roughly every 90 minutes. Visible to the naked eye under optimal conditions, it appears as a brilliant, star-like point of light gliding steadily across the skies. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by NDTV (@ndtv) In the coming days, the International Space Station (ISS), which will be Group Captain Shukla's temporary home, will repeatedly fly over the Indian landmass. Though Captain Shukla won't be visible himself, the ISS carrying him can be spotted from Earth, letting you catch a glimpse of his temporary home in space. From space, Mr Shukla has extended a warm invitation to his fellow Indians to follow his mission. For those eager to catch a glimpse of the ISS, NASA's "Spot the Station" app and the ISS Detector app make it easier than ever to track its path and spot it in the night sky. The International Space Station (ISS) has been orbiting Earth for over two decades, symbolising global scientific cooperation and human innovation. It zooms around our planet at 28,000 km/h, completing one orbit every 90 minutes. This incredible pace means astronauts on board witness 16 sunrises and sunsets daily. The ISS shines brightly in the sky, reflecting sunlight as it moves, but unlike aeroplanes, it doesn't have blinking lights. For optimal viewing, look for it shortly before sunrise or just after sunset, when the sky is dark but the ISS remains sunlit.
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Space Station To Fly Over India: A Guide To Spotting The Orbiting Lab
New Delhi: For over two decades, the International Space Station (ISS) has circled our planet, serving as a beacon of scientific collaboration and human ingenuity. Orbiting at a blistering speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour, the ISS completes one revolution around Earth every 90 minutes, offering astronauts on board 16 sunrises and sunsets each day. But for those of us on the ground, catching a glimpse of this marvel is not only possible - it's easier than ever, thanks to NASA's "Spot the Station" mobile app and other Apps like ISS Detector. Why Spot the Station? The ISS is more than just a spacecraft - it's a symbol of international cooperation. Built and operated by the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency (ESA), the station has hosted astronauts from 23 countries and supported over 4,400 scientific experiments from researchers in 109 nations. It's a floating laboratory that has cost over $150 billion to make and is a testbed for future missions to the Moon and Mars, and a platform for Earth science and technology development. Spotting the ISS from Earth connects everyday people to this extraordinary endeavour. It's a reminder that space exploration isn't confined to rocket scientists and astronauts - it belongs to all of us. Incidentally, one can also spot the Chinese space station named 'Tiangong', which was launched in 2021. When and where to look The ISS is visible from Earth because it reflects sunlight, much like the Moon. However, unlike the Moon, it's not bright enough to be seen during the day. The best viewing opportunities occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset when the station is illuminated by the Sun but the sky is dark enough for it to stand out. During these twilight windows, the ISS appears as a bright, fast-moving object - similar to a star or airplane but without flashing lights or changes in direction. It typically crosses the sky in just a few minutes, so timing is crucial. A quick guide to spot the ISS in India July 7: 8.48 pm to 8.55 pm July 8: 4.59 am to 5.05 am; 7.59 pm to 8.06 pm; 9.38 pm to 9.41 pm July 9: 4.10 am to 4.16 am; 8.48 pm to 8.53 pm July 10: 3.22 am to 3.27 am; 4.58 am to 5.04 am; 7.59 pm to 8.05 pm July 11: 2.34 am to 2.36 am; 4.09 am to 4.15 am July 12: 7.59 pm to 8.03 pm Between July 24 to August 1, there will be many passes of the ISS over India. NASA's 'Spot the Station' app and the ISS Detector app provide detailed sighting information, including: Time: When the station will be visible in our local time zone. Duration: How long it will be visible before it dips below the horizon. Maximum Height: The elevation angle from the horizon (0 degrees is the horizon, 90 degrees is directly overhead). Appears/Disappears: Compass directions indicating where the station will enter and exit your field of view. The 'Spot the Station' mobile app Available for free on both iOS and Android, the Spot the Station app and ISS Detector app are a powerful tool for space enthusiasts and casual observers alike. It offers: Push Notifications: Alerts for upcoming viewing opportunities tailored to your exact location. Augmented Reality (AR): A virtual overlay that helps you locate the station in the sky using your phone's camera and compass. Live Tracking: A real-time map showing the ISS's current position as it orbits Earth. The app is designed to be user-friendly and accessible worldwide. It supports multiple languages. Users can customize notification settings to receive alerts that match their preferences and location. Tips for a great viewing experience To maximize your chances of spotting the ISS: Choose the Right Time: Use the apps to find sightings during twilight hours. Find a Clear View: Go to an open area away from tall buildings and trees. Look Up Quickly: The station moves fast - faster than any airplane - so be ready. Use AR Mode: Let your phone guide you with its augmented reality overlay. Wave hello: Astronauts often encourage viewers to wave as the station passes overhead. No telescope is needed. The ISS is visible to the naked eye. It's one of the brightest objects in the night sky when conditions are right. Behind the scenes: Tracking the ISS NASA's flight controllers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston monitor the ISS's trajectory using sophisticated software and real-time data. The station's path is influenced by atmospheric drag and orbital manoeuvres, so its position is updated frequently. NASA shares this data publicly in formats compatible with commercial spaceflight software, allowing enthusiasts and developers to integrate ISS tracking into their projects. A shared human achievement Spotting the ISS is more than a fun activity - it's a moment of connection. As you gaze up at the station, you're witnessing a living symbol of global cooperation today there are eleven astronauts from 6 countries at the space station. The astronauts on board represent a commitment to science, exploration, and unity. Whether you're in Noida, Nagpur, New York, or Nairobi, the station's flyover is a shared experience that transcends borders. Each of us 140 crore Indians have spent close to Rs 4 each to have Astronaut Shukla in space, so use your investment and relish the moment. If all goes well by 2035 the watch party will be for our own Bhartiya Antarisksha Station. Shubhanshu Shukla's view of Earth In a moment that will be etched in the annals of India's space history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS). PM Modi expressed the collective pride of 140 crore Indians, stating, "Today you are farthest from your motherland, but you are closest to the hearts of Indians". When asked about his first thoughts upon seeing space, Mr Shukla shared a profound realisation: "From space, you don't see any borders. The Earth looks united." He emphasised the vastness of India, which appears much larger from orbit than on a map, and spoke of the deep sense of unity and shared humanity that space evokes. "Bharat Looks Bhavya" (Bharat looks grand)," said Group Captain Shukla, adding that it brings back a flashback to what Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma said in 1984 about India as being 'sarre jahan se achha'! Mr Shukla described his journey to the ISS as not just a personal achievement but a symbolic leap for the entire country. "This small journey from Earth to 400 kilometers above is not only mine - it is the journey of our country," he said. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared that he never imagined becoming an astronaut, but under the current leadership, India now offers such dreams a chance to become reality. The conversation then turned philosophical as PM Modi remarked on the ancient Indian tradition of undertaking a 'parikrama' and Mr Shukla was actually doing a circumambulation or orbiting the Earth, and asked what part of the planet Mr Shukla was currently passing over. Though Mr Shukla didn't have the exact coordinates, he said a little while ago they had passed over Hawaii. He also described the awe-inspiring experience of orbiting the Earth 16 times a day, witnessing as many sunrises and sunsets. Traveling at 28,000 kilometers per hour, he noted, adding with a tinge of national pride, suggesting, "This speed shows how fast our country is moving forward."
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Why Perth locals are covering this fence in dirty socks
A quirky sock-covered fence has become the latest symbol of community frustration in North Perth, as locals ramp up their protest against the controversial 24/7 service station proposed for Angove Street. Dozens of dirty socks cover the fence of the unused site at 41-43 Angove Street, a peaceful but meaningful protest aimed at the proposed development of a 24-hour petrol station by South Australian-based company On the Run. City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon said that the protest is a non-violent direct action by community members in protest of an inappropriate proposal. Your local paper, whenever you want it. 'The community is fed up and frustrated that their legitimate concerns are not being heeded, and this is a creative way to get their message across. It is obviously getting to the proponents, which is why they keep sending people out to take the socks down,' she said. The proposed location is within 50m of North Perth Primary School. Credit: Supplied Ms Xamon described the street as a 'well-loved and popular pedestrian-friendly hub' with an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants. 'It is not a suitable location for a 24/7 service station,' she said. Sally Baker, North Perth resident and member of the local campaign Stop The Station, said the fight had been going on for two years. 'We just want the community to know we're still fighting, so we did the dirty socks to raise awareness that it's ongoing and we're not stopping,' she said. 'OTR want it to be like Bunnings — completely take over. Their main thing is 24/7 service with a convenience store that actually makes more money than the petrol.' She also shared health concerns residents have due to the proximity to North Perth Primary School and many homes. 'There's proven research that benzene is in the air around petrol stations and we're all going to suffer,' Ms Baker said. 'The EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) recommends 100m from sensitive land uses, but this is just 50m from the primary school. Local campaigners outside the site on Angove Street. Credit: Facebook / Stop the Station 'My apartment block butts up against the site, like 5m. The risk of cancer, especially leukaemia in children, doubles when living close to service stations. That's a fact.' The group has organised a petition, protests and letter drops to raise awareness and now waits anxiously for an outcome from the State Administrative Tribunal. The petition currently has more than 1060 signatures. Ms Baker said that a community development, such a cafe with apartments, would be a more suitable option for the area. 'Even something like Chinta would be great,' she said. OTR purchased the site for $3.25 million in 2021. In May 2023 a development application submitted to the Metro-Inner City Joint Development Assessment Panel was rejected and then appealed by the applicant. Dozens of dirty socks cover the fence of the unused site at 41-43 Angove Street, Credit: Supplied 'Our Local Planning Scheme No. 2 also prohibits new service stations from being built in residential, mixed-use and centre zones, including the North Perth town centre,' Ms Xamon said. At the time Ms Xamon said there were already 24/7 petrol stations in the area so there was 'no need for another one in the heart of Angove Street'. 'This has been a controversial issue for a number of years now and we have made it clear that we do not want a service station operating on the vacant site,' she said at the time. Ms Xamon said that the city would 'continue to defend council's decision and represent the community's concerns on a proposed service station operating in the heart of the town centre at future SAT meetings'. PerthNow reached out to OTR but did not receive a response. A mediation meeting between OTR and the DAP is scheduled on June 27 and a preliminary hearing on July 22 and 23.
