Getting ready for 'The Grand Finale'

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

October 15th 1997, The Lord of the Rings- Saturn-had a friend coming. The rocket blasted off from the Earth carrying the Cassini orbiter and the Huygens probe. Saturn would have to wait for 7 long years until the duo reached. After a couple of fly-by to Venus, an Earth-Moon fly-by, cruising through the asteroid belt, the spacecraft reached Jupiter, in December 2000. 

It started it's journey towards Saturn, exploring and clicking along the way. It watched the rings, the massive Saturnian storms and discovered tiny moons too. 

In June 2004, it had its first Moon fly-by, it was the satellite Phoebe. Cassini passed within 2000 kilometers of this dark moon. It was revealed that Phoebe is a primordial object from the early outer solar system that was captured by Saturn in its orbit. Finally in July 2004, Cassini became the first spacecraft inserted successfully in Saturn's orbit. It had it's first encounter with the huge Moon Titan. It was here, the Huygens probe woke up from its hibernation and was detached to explore Titan. 

Huygens created history. It became the first, and till date, the only landing on any world in the outer solar system! Such exquisite details of Titan were revealed along with its geology which expanded our horizons vastly. 

And there, Cassini continued..

A year later, it had it's fly-by past Enceladus. 'A Big Surprise at a Small Moon' is what the scientists at JPL called it. The detailed imagery obtained showed a youthful yet complex terrain, free of impact craters, with unique tectonic features. Cassini detected a huge water vapour cloud and ice particles over its South polar region. This was surely exciting times for scientific community worldwide. 

March 2006, a revolutionary discovery was made. Cassini scientists announced evidence of liquid water reservoirs feeding the Enceladus plume (possibly in form of geysers?). During a close fly-by in 2008, Cassini's instruments sampled the plume directly, and found "a surprising brew of volatile gases, water vapour, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, as well as organic materials, some 20 times denser than expected! The 'tiger stripes' fractures near the south pole, and many such interesting and stunning data was gathered. There would probably be a separate mission to Enceladus to further explore.It had a close fly-by getting just 25 kilometres above its surface! Enceladus is active, in a very unique way. 

Enceladus. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

New rings of Saturn; Iapetus' odd dichotomy of surface; new moons; observing the moons Titan, Mimas, Rhea, Dione closely; finding evidence for a large scale saltwater reservoir beneath the icy crust of Enceladus; capturing Saturnian storms;  the Saturn north pole hexagon, and many more discoveries and observations added to Cassini's extraordinary achievements. 

It continued its journey as the mission was extended. In July 2014, scientists using the data identified atleast 101 distinct geysers on Enceladus.

Cassini has given us so much precious and breathtaking data about Saturn and its family, inspiring a new league of scientists. 

Well, good things come to an end. Cassini mission will begin a Grand finale on April 22nd 2017, of passing daringly with 22 loops, passing through Saturn and its innermost ring. This will be historic in itself, as it will explore a entirely new region around Saturn and come closer then ever before! With each passing day, going closer, it will make a final plunge in Saturn's atmosphere, in September 2017, be crushed and vaporized in the process. It would be a little less than 20 year old spacecraft, with a mission more than successfully accomplished. Cassini is definitely going in style.  

https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/grand-finale/overview/

An artist would be as delighted as a Scientist seeing the Cassini data. The rings so spectacular, Saturn so surreal. Each image in itself is a story. 

I am totally Love struck, Awe struck!

Cassini you will continue to inspire. 

https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/galleries/images/

https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/galleries/hall-of-fame/

**(All data, facts, statistics from JPL/NASA)

Brace for the Change

"Look deep into nature, you will understand everything better." ~ Einstein

At times, being old-school and conventional, we may resist to changes.

At times, we may not like it at all!

For me, the the only change I liked, was the seasons-from barren brown summer to green graceful monsoons.

Over the time, I did realize that eventually everything will change.

As they say, 'change is permanent'. 

The weather changes daily,

and People change faster than weather!

Buds bloom to flowers,

The moon is too phase-y,

The rivers change their course over Eras,

Even the birds molt their plumage.

The rocks metamorphose to be 'gneiss'.

So it seems by natural law itself,

everything is ever-changing and dynamic.

Which also means everything is alive, and growing.

May be it was the nature that taught me to accept changes- of people, of places, of attitude, of the journey itself, and a self-changing YOU.

You, transforming to be more determined, more amazing!

......It made me realize, without change........there would be no butterflies!

*P.S. Well, not all changes may be welcomed or comfortable, but remember, that will change too! Give Time, time. <3

Let's Talk

World Health Day April 7th 2017, Theme: Depression. #Let's Talk

WHO chose its theme as depression among reasons we all are aware of, yet not completely. While we have been hearing all our life about healthy body, we rarely hear how we should have a healthy mind too. As stated by WHO " Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life". It is also the leading cause of ill health worldwide. WHO categorizes Depression as mild, moderate or severe. "At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds" (WHO factsheet)

Some observations/facts/study that I could summarize:

- The  way we use the term depression these days, even colloquially is surprising. Depression IS NOT a mood swing phenomena. It is for real. The earlier we accept this, the better equipped we are to be empathetic and hear out someone. 

- Depression DOES NOT mean you are 'mad' nor does going to a counselor make you so.

- Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities.

- Sadness is only a small part of depression. Some people with depression may not feel sadness at all. Depression has many other symptoms, including physical ones. People with depression normally have several of the following:

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight changes

Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms

(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml)

-WHO has identified strong links between depression and other noncommunicable disorders and diseases. Depression increases the risk of substance use disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; the opposite is also true, meaning that people with these other conditions have a higher risk of depression.

- Many factors may play a role in depression, including genetics, brain biology and chemistry, and life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, an early childhood experience, or any stressful situation.

- Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early 20s or 30s. Most chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children. In fact, high levels of anxiety as a child could mean a higher risk of depression as an adult.

(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml) 

- Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, the severity and frequency differs from person to person. If can affect teens, older adults, children, women, men differently. 

-If you have depression, you are NOT alone.

-There ARE treatments for Depression.

Visit a Doctor who could guide you soon. Medications &/or psychotherapy help. 

What can we all do? 

Be a little more patient. Talk. Offer emotional support. Offer Hope. Never ignore what they say, especially if it is about self harm. 

I am no therapist, nor a doctor, being a student of counseling psychology, just spreading the awareness. In a world so competitive, fast, every-changing, it may be difficult to find a little bit of peace and trust. It may be difficult to find a little more time. It may be difficult to understand what other people 'feel' and would never say. Yet, we are in times when we can have anything, achieve any goal, do the impossible, connect anywhere. However, we are also in times when Depression is on the rise ever passing day, in every country. What may be the underlying causes? 

Let's Talk.

Colors of nature

Colors are the smiles of nature~Leigh Hunt

May your life be filled with

the green of the fresh monsoon grass......to soothe you,
the blue of the infinite sky......................to inspire you,
the sea green of the quiet lake................to calm you,
the red of sustaining soil.........................to recharge you with enthusiasm,
the tinges of red & orange of the Sun.......to keep the faith in you alive,
the silver lining of cirrus.........................to make you believe in yourself,
If this is not enough,
the spectrum of rainbow.........................to remind you sunshine & rain both are beautiful! 


Happy Holi :)

P.S.: With the water tables dwindling and monsoon showing erratic & sporadic behavior than ever; with millions battling for survival without enough water; can we really afford to waste gallons of water merely for fun & frolic?

I see Holi through colors of nature <3

Behind the curtains

I recently watched 'Hidden figures' movie (well, first day first show it was for movie buff me). I am in complete awe and inspiration. The subtle yet touching moments of the movie took my heart away. Nothing too dramatic but perfect. The actors are tremendous. But out of all the things that I loved about the movie the most compelling was the the implication behind the title itself. Hidden figures. 

First man to land on moon. Check we know. Neil Armstrong.

First American to orbit the Earth. Ohh we are too smart. John Glenn it is!

But these weren't the only 'firsts'. Behind them was a whole team of unbelievably talented and super humans. The ones we do not see photographs of in newspapers, or on social media. The ones we do not recall names of easily. The ones who remain secretly behind the curtains and control the stage. 

These are the heroes. We need more appreciation for them. We need to know their life story. 

On that note here, ISRO just launched 104 satellites in a single mission! No nation has achieved that yet. We see only a handful of scientists in the mission control room during the launch. Wonder how many 'hidden figures' behind this accomplishment-- a lot!

Cheers to such inspirational heroes and women. You give us a reason to believe in dreaming. And making them come true. 

A fair chance

"Sometimes you win,

sometimes you learn"

Life isn't supposed to give you what you want always.

Instead you have to make the most of what is handed to you.

However the situation may be, grey clouds or glitering sunshine.

Yet, here we are stubbornly making our own way, creating our beliefs

and trying to change the future, which is yet to come!

Here we are, fighting. Not with the world, rather with inner self.

Are we not too harsh with ourselves?

Don't we punish ourselves for not able to live the life we dreamed of?

We often try to find something to cling on and be happy

forgetting that 'something' cannot be found

we have to 'create' it!

Good days will come

Things will get better

and best will be rewarded

if there is enough passion.

But what if this zeal itself is a flickering candle?

Life is a game of light and shadows.

While light guides you, the shadow never leaves you. 

It is about being to adapt to darkness 

so you value light even more.

There are no guidelines

just one rule: Keep moving on

And one day will be yours. 

Life will give you one fair chance...

By the window side

The curry leaf plant seen from my window side has borne little red fruits this time. The result is that many birds frequently visit it all through the day. I just have to sit and watch them enjoy their tiny meals. 

Few of the birds are:
Asian Koel male
Asian Koel female
Oriental magpie robin
Bush chat
Ashy prinia
Oriental white eye 
Red vented bulbul
Purple sunbird
Sunbird female
Common Tailor bird
Fantail
Brahminy starling
Pale billed flower pecker
Coppersmith Barbet
Purple rumped sunbird
Indian black lored tit



Though all these are common to sight, it has been a treat to watch the behavior and eating habits of the birds. While the Koel will gulp the entire fruit, the oriental white is very selective in choosing the fruit, and just prefers the juice. :) It will also twist and bend itself to get a good one! Barbets come in pair, eat one berry and carry another one! 

Few photos of past few days of 'window birding'

Ashy prinia

Pied Bush chat

Sunbird female

Asian Koel female

Tailor bird

Fantail

Oriental white eye

Bushchat juvenille

Asian Koel male

Pale billed flower pecker

Greater Coucal

Tailor bird

Red whiskered bulbul

Scaly breasted Munia

Common Myna

Pale billed flower pecker

Indian black lored Tit

Indian black lored tit

Coppersmith Barbet

Strictly Rain lovers!

Finally the monsoon is here. 

Just when you think you cannot go outdoors to photograph any thing, it occurs on a rainy Sunday morning, why not click the rain itself! Comfortably by the window side. 

Until now, I clicked whatever the rain touched and made the Earth green and fresh, so full of life! 

But that day, when I turned my attention to the little rain drops, drizzle, shower and downpour, I realized how beautiful the rain actually is!

The series of pictures are just a few from the rain obsessed me, experimenting with shutter speed and aperture! Hope you enjoy :) The frame is kept same in each, but the effect varies (as per the setting). I am sure they will get better with practice. But couldn't wait to share the first ones!

(The bokeh just added to the beauty)

P.S. My favourite rain quote, "The sound of rain needs no translation" - Alan Watts 

:)

happy monsoon <3

Practical dreams ? (!)

Realistic or idealistic?

Pragmatic or quixotic?

Optimistic with a pinch of doubt or a pessimistic with a ray of hope!

To accept the change or to be the change?

To try and fail or fail and never try again!

To believe and follow or to live and experience?

A night that has a dawn at its end, or a day that ends in dark...

Happy with what you have or strive for what you haven't!

Can dreams be practical?!

What do you have to say?

P.S.: Some one told me that my posts are extreme in feeling, from too optimistic, sweet and rosy to harsh, sad, and dark. Why such ends with not a moderate between? But isn't life like that too?

Yes or No; no 'maybe' and 'ifs and but', no conditions to apply, no excuses to make.

Happy mid week :) Calvin's always right! 

Sound of silence

Words don't always convey, even silence speaks volumes!

I'm sure you would agree to this. Don't you hear the rattle of a hundred ideas, complaints, problems and solutions when you be quiet just for a while? Yes, it is a playground where you wander off. 

No words to express only silence to convey.

Some of us come in terms with it and find a sense of belongingness there, while for some of us it is too daunting.. Then we turn to people, places, music, social networking to curb the silence. Some associate silence with loneliness, while others to creativity.

But it is loud. And there is no escape.

For me, silence has been a teacher. It has taught me that people will come and go, but you are your best company. It taught me to love myself.It made me more observant of the nature and appreciate life's little things. 

As you sit silently at the window waiting for it to rain, you look around, and see nature is doing its work perfectly, yet silently. The little green grass grows, the flowers bloom,the breeze is always around you. The moon silently changes its phases with each new day. The rainbow forms without any hustle with just the right amount of rain and sunshine. 

If we just know how to face this silence!

P.S: We use words to communicate, ever tried tuning into someone's silent mind and feel it? :)

Simply complicated!

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" ~Leonardo da Vinci

In tangled life and tied up emotions, rarely does a breeze of simplicity enter your mind and free it of the web.For moments you realize, this is how it should always be.

Simple. As it is. No dilution, no adulteration, no adding whites to make a tint or blacks to improve the shade. Don't we all love people who be just as they are? Aren't we all in the process to continuously make our life simple? Then why does our little mind have to be a twisted mesh of threads from past and anxious bits of future? This all does sound simply complicated!

Have a child's eye to view the world and a day at a time, to make most of the details in life appear straightforward. 

Simple is beautiful. Simple is without any extra baggage and burden. 

"Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things"~Isaac Newton

:)

Long lost friends

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” - Marcus Aurelius

It is one of those nights- long and lonely, dark and quiet. But beautiful and mysterious. It has something to say.

She keeps to herself and walks upstairs. The open terrace seems embracing. "Nothing happens inside your comfort zone", but comfort is what she needs at the hour. She finds a corner place and sits. 

She looks up. 

And in a trice remembers how often she would do that as a little child. "Can you imagine a night sky without stars?", she had innocently asked once, and pondered years later, "No, you cannot imagine a sky not lit with the stars, just that is how your presence should be in others' life, unimaginable and inseparable". 

She carefully looks at each of the bright stars, slowly taking their name turn by turn, no she does not need an 'app' for that. 

The years have failed to fade the brightness of their names. She has to only blow away the cobwebs in her mind, of matters far trivial. As if by a miracle, all stars reverberate her name, in recognition of an old friend! 

The moon hides behind the wispy clouds and playfully says, "I was always here to hide, you never came to seek". "We always kept a watch on you, ever since you were born, and will continue to do so", said Sirius seriously.

Canopus seemed slightly displeased even in the happiness of seeing her, "Why did you not look up at us, what made you so distant from us?"

"Remember how you would wake up in the middle of the night to see me in my full charm", said the huge Scorpius."I continue to be beautiful if you glance at me through the huge eye of the scope, and even otherwise" said Saturn, more glorious than ever.

The stars are alive and breathing. They have a fire within, which makes them so brilliant! And yes, they are 'faultless'.

In no time, a conversation lights up the silent night. The night is indeed long, but no more lonely.

She drifts into her world- a world of starshine and moonshine. The stars never judge you, though they have seen your each move. here will be city lights, but don't forget the stars that lit up your night sky!

"No, you cannot imagine a sky not lit with the stars, just that is how your presence should be in others' life, unimaginable and inseparable". 

Setting Twenty- Fifteen

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending" ~ Carl Bard.

As we all get ready to bid adieu to 2015, a  lot of random thoughts play in my mind, I thought I should pen it down.

While at times, the year seemed to whiz by, at times it slowed down to edge of stopping. But Time doesn't wait. And Life moves on. I realized that no one is going to wait for you in the past, and moments cannot be frozen, (except of course photographs!). 

The things that we chase down may never be for us. And some times, ironically the very things we chase are right beside us. Just when you think, it the end of some things, Life will turn around and hand it over to you as though you deserve it.

Realized that a bit of encouragement and appreciation will not harm, and that gratitude should be genuine. Set goals, but don't forget to live! People will come and go, but you will be with yourself forever. Be kind to yourself.

There is no place called a destination, it is all now, a journey. Live it as it is. Each. Single. Day. Without any expectations. There will be happy days. And sad too. It is a game even nature plays of light and dark! Never a year has been so full of all possible ingredients of emotions.

A big THANK YOU, to all those who have been there for me, and made me stronger each day, 

to all those who were not there, you'll taught me to live more independently than ever, 

to all those, who gave me the greatest gift-their 'time'. 

Wishing you all a happy and cheerful Twenty-Sixteen!Embrace the future <3

Wanderlust

Ever felt freedom?

I do, with each newer road I travel to.
The long journeys are liberating,
each new bend is a new opportunity, 
a new window for a beautiful view.

The greens of field bring freshness,
the magnificent mountains are awe-inspiring,
the blue sky is enchanting.
The rivers so vibrant as they call you along with a song,
the ocean waters instill in you a sense of minuteness,
the waves wash away all the sorrows with the sand.

And at night, when the stars take over,
each little bright point offers you a bit of hope,
assuring you of their existence, 
today and always
even in the stillness of the night 
they care for you like a silent secret.

Discover yourself as you travel along the Life path!