Straying away from Science

Move a bit away from the Science that fills your day! Let creativity take over and see what happens :) 

Planetary Exploration...........Rewind 2013

Humans by nature are a curious lot. Always exploring, always setting a limit, crossing it and further setting a new limit. Space is a canvas for humans to sketch their ideas, play with technologies, overcome challenges and create wonderful mean machines capable of venturing astronomical distances where no human has ever gone! It comes with a lot of allied applications in defence, aeronautics, navigation, material sciences and even medical, apart from the enormous science! 

Planetary exploration began in 1960s with Venera, Mariner, and Apollo missions (to Venus, Mars and Moon) which distinguished the exploration fraternity as those who are not satisfied being limited by the spatial extent of the Earth. Everyday newer discoveries are made and old bench marks are being shifted. Better resolution (spectrally and spatially) data are available. There is a need for better understanding the other known yet mysterious lands, distant and near and at the same time comprehending the analogous processes on the Earth. With so little been done and so much to do, these are exciting times!

Japan's AKASTUKI a.k.a Venus Climate Orbiter is bravely travelling as a recovery effort to study the harsh and hellish Venus (Venus arrival 2015). The curious CURIOSITY celebrated its first birthday of landing on Mars in August 2013. It investigates the geology finding larger answers of past Martian environment. It zaps the rocks through its laser eyes. It is well equipped with gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, laser spectrometer (suite called Sample Analysis at Mars), X-ray diffraction and fluorescence (CheMin), Mars Hand Lens Imager, Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer, Mast Camera, ChemCam to vaporize fine thin layers from Martian surface and identify the excited atoms using spectrometer and not to forget the Radiation Assessment Detector. Curiosity is a true geologist. Apart from this, MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) launched in November, aims to investigate what went wrong with Mars-its lost atmosphere and water. It is devoted to study the upper atmosphere and the loss of atmospheric gases.  

DAWN scanning one of the most interesting asteroid Vesta (a close-up like never before, its extreme terrain images released in an Atlas in 2013) and now on the way to the largest one Ceres. Studying these protoplanets DAWN would take us back in time, as it would throw some light on early solar system (the dawn of solar system), its evolution and processes. JUNO en route to unlock the Giant Jupiter's secrets (Jupiter arrival July 2016). It had a gravity assist Earth flyby in October 2013. JUNO aims to study in depth the atmosphere, its composition, clouds, and magnetosphere, magnetic field and auroras. 

On July 19, 2013, in an event celebrated the world over, CASSINI went into Saturn's shadow and imaged the planet, its seven moons, inner rings and our home Earth, in the background. The image released was a mosaic of 1600 images and a stunner. Hope you did wave at Saturn that time! Cassini continues to provide intriguing information about the Saturn system since 2004. As we entered a new year 2014 on our Earth, Cassini had a Titan flyby at 1400 kilometres altitude on the 1st. The New Horizons spacecraft already crossed Uranus orbit and awaits to unravel long standing mysteries of the newer horizons of Pluto (Pluto arrival July 2015). 

Coming closer to home, the nearest neighbour Moon too has visitors- NASA's LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer) entered the Moon orbit around its equator on November 20th 2013, has begun to study the extremely thin atmospheric structure and composition along with the dust, through three main instruments- the Ultraviolet & Visible Light Spectrometer, Neutral Mass Spectrometer and Lunar Dust Experiment. 

The Chinese CHANG'E 3 landed on the desolate magnificent Moon on December 14th and a little rover YUTU was deployed. YUTU carries a ground penetrating radar that aims to provide the structure below. The LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) already orbiting the Moon sent back a picture of the lander and rover on Christmas, to us Earthlings. 

The icing on the cake not to be forgotten, is with India entering the elite club of a handful nations attempting inter planetary mission on 5th November. The PSLV shot like firework from Sriharikota shooting hopes sky high of all Indians. The Mars Orbiter Mission is eight months and 600 million kilometres away from the Red Planet. Other than the technological demonstration it aims for scientific objectives of exploration of Martian surface, morphology, mineralogy and methane gas. 

With years to come, the challenges are plenty. To achieve what has never been attempted before, planet to planet! 

Image Credit:Olaf Frohn, 2012

Must see: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/whycassini/jpl/cassini20131112.html#.UsWcmfQW1bY

*P.S: Past and present NASA planetary data archived and distributed via http://pds.nasa.gov/

Memory Lane....Revisited

"Memory....is the diary that we all carry about with us"

-Oscar Wilde

Some roads, however difficult to travel

may have to be treaded not once, not twice but often.

As you travel along these paths,

you gather experiences,

lessons are learnt,

strangers are met,

mistakes are commited,

moments are cherished!

And soon you realize,

that the road once a strange land

is now full of memories!

And sooner enough, you tend to go back there more than 'often' can be!

-for the pleasant moments there bring back a smile,

and the harsh lessons make you braver!

And soon enough,

its a Memory Lane...Revisted!

HIATUS

"We are likely to be disconcerted....by hiatuses of thought"

-Edmund Wilson

Hiatus-a break, a gap, an interruption, Pause or the unrepresented time. Geologically speaking, hiatus indicates a break or gap in the geologic record, a period of erosion or non deposition. When such hiatus is evident in stratigraphic sections, geologists call it an unconformity. The Earth's crust is changing continuously with upliftment, subsidence and erosional activities. The data preserved in the rocks or as rocks is not complete and continuous. It is much like a book, layer by layer represented by pages. However some pages are torn or missing! These are unconformities. No, they aren't insignificant. They provide you with enough details you need to unravel. They mark the junction where different rocks, formed at different geologic times, by varied forces exist and sometimes they are separated by millions (even billion) of years. We realize that human life span is not even a moment compared to the geologic time!

Here, Precambrian schists which have been tried and tested by heat, pressure over time, folded and faulted may be overlain by smooth and calm horizontal beds of Cambrian (Nonconformities separate igneous/metamorphics from overlying sedimentary strata). Here, the inclined beds may be overlain by horizontal beds (angular unconformity). Some times, both the sedimentary deposits may be horizontal and separated by an erosional surface (disconformity). 

Types of Unconformities: http://earthsci.org/education/teacher/basicgeol/geotim/geotim.html

James Hutton, often called as 'Father of Modern Geology' (a Scottish farmer and naturalist) and a revolutionary observer of geological sections, made an important observation at the Siccar Point, Scotland in 1788. The juxtaposition of almost vertical layers of gray shale and overlying horizontal layers of red sandstone is seen here. Hutton put forth that the gray shale were deposited, uplifted, tilted, eroded and subsequently covered by ocean, when again the red sandstone was deposited. The boundary between the two rock types at Siccar Point is now called the Hutton's Unconformity, a geological landmark. 

Geological Society of America, http://www.gsahist.org/v35n03/11-poster.gif

(Animations for unconformity formations 

http://www.wwnorton.com/college/geo/egeo2/content/animations/10_4.htm)

Moving away from the geology, we do need to take a break and slow down some times. Essentially, to channelise the thoughts, to erode away the negativities and let new opportunities deposit! A newer self! So, taking a hiatus, doesn't mean calling it a day! :) It means hitting back with a zeal! Happy Hiatus. 

Sun, Surf, Sand...

I have a special affinity to coasts for several reasons. One being the tranquillity of the vast expanse of sea blue merging with serenity of the endless sky blue. And then the quartzitic sand, calcareous molluscs and gastropods and the sea breeze! Soaking in the Sun or playing with the surf. Want to hit the beach; we would think of Goa or Kerala as the getaway but close to home, Maharashtra is blessed with a wonderful coastline too! Right from the wide northern beaches to urban coasts of Mumbai to rocky cliffs along Murud to the white sandy beaches at Tarkali. From the mangroves of the estuaries to the few corals. From overcrowded Juhu to virgin Sindhudurg stretches. A trip along the Maharashtra coast is definitely worth every moment!

Other than the usual ‘tourist spots’, here are few ones not to miss. Extreme north Maharashtra, the Thane region has some surprisingly beautiful beaches especially around Nalasopara. It’s a perfect family picnic spot with abundant shady Casuarina and wide sandy beach. 

Time to be here: Sunset!

The extreme north Maharashtra coast is remarkably similar to South Gujarat, nature suggesting that boundaries are manmade! We all know about the Mumbai Chowpatis- the refuge for all Mumbaikars!

To munch on here: The Bhel Puri!

Furthur South, as you head towards Alibag, the road is good enough with fine eateries and dhabas on the way! The Alibag town itself doesn’t have a very pleasing coast but its neighbouring Kashid, Akshi and Revdanda make up for it. The Portugese Revdanda fort ruins run along the seashore and the waves lashing this fortification with palms fringes in setting offer a treat to the eyes.

When not to be here: At the high tide!

As you continue your journey to Murud, the roads have started winding by now. The Deccan basalts make their presence felt, sandwiching crescent sandy patches between its cliffs. You realise why ‘pocket’ beaches are called so.  The drive here is thoroughly enjoyable as the road runs parallel to the cliffy coast.

 Next stop: Janjira Fort!

It’s not just another fort; it stands tall and undefeated in the Arabian Sea. Sadly, these ruins are in bad shape and uncared for. Spare time here a couple of hours, as a ferry carries you from Rajapuri to the fort. 

Head to Shrivardhan from here to be awed by wider beaches here (Diveagar and Harihareshwar too can be considered). It’s a quiet seaside town but has some of the extremely cosy and hospitable cottage stay right in the ‘wadis’.

What to do here: walk around the wadis early morning!

And if you have thought so far you have visited the best places, then gear up, recharge your batteries and move on! Comparatively not so good roads, and fewer roadside eatery options, be ready for some ferry rides across the rivers. You can take a ferry ride (along with your cars/bikes) to Velas. 

Dapoli (Anjarle, Harnai) is worth the time. On the way south you will come across Enron around Dabhol. Time for another ferry ride. And before you reach Ratnagiri, Guhagar is the place to be and take some blessings from the favourite God at Ganapatipule! Just outside the hustle bustle of Ratnagiri there is a quiet beach Mirya, a good one to end the long day.

Not to forget: Ratnagiri Haapoos (if you travelling in summer). Hope you aren’t yet tired. The best is yet to come I assure!

The blue waters of Achra are intoxicating! This hue of the Arabian Sea continues throughout the Sindhudurg coast. 

Malvan is a foodie’s paradise. And Tarkarli a sand castle builder’s! The sparkling white sand is marvellous. The water sports lovers; Malvan is the place for you with its Scuba diving, Snorkeling, kayaks, banana rides, jet-ski.

Must visit: the Sindhudurg fort (this also brings back a lot of fuschite quartzite memories)

Again, spare a couple of hours for the 17^th century fort (Kurte island). The view from the top is breathtaking and the history of the fort intriguing. Majestic gates, fresh water reservoir, coconut tree with branch, temples, to keep you engrossed inside.

Before you decide to end this expedition spend a couple of days at uncluttered Vengurla-Shiroda-Velagar with its pristine silver sands and cool sea breeze.

Maharashtra’s affair with the Arabian Sea ends and Goa’s begins! It is time to pull back inland to home.

And the last thing to know: Go unplanned and be ready for surprises!

* Don’t be disheartened with the roads. Think about the surf, sand and sun you are going to be offered!

* Transportation best by ferries wherever possible.

* Many more places worth visiting are not mentioned. Due for next trip :)

Favourite of favourites

Some times it’s difficult to say which one is a better season. The monsoon which transforms the landscape with its magic wand or the wonderful winter that comes with long nights and clear skies (Nevertheless, there is immense joy in both these which cannot be ignored)! So gearing up for welcoming the winter (read clear skies) is a long awaited sensation after the one third year of rains! The favourite of the favourites become tricky to sort.

The rising of Moon over the building,

The tracing of constellation lines in imagination and weaving stories,

The winter chill making the telescope tube cold,

or the hot mug-o-chino under the dark sky!

The sight of the Milky Way,

or running up the terrace to watch Venus even as the Sun is setting

Pondering about which phase of the Moon is the most beautiful,

or is it the Moon itself?

Simply lying down and counting the meteors

Or false alarm planes.

Sleeping the whole day

to be awake the entire night!

Finding the Pole star the Big Dipper way

Not missing out the happy duo Mizar-Alcor.

Wishing the telescope turning into a huge Hubble-like-thing

and site into Class 1 Bortle!

Waiting for the Bull, the Lion and the Scorpio,

the blue giant and red super giant!

Trying to imagine where a star would be in the Hertzsprung-Russel,

Or knowing that the planet in opposition is there to accompany you through the cold hours.

The Messiers and much more!

Loving the silent stillness of the night,

Yet knowing that seemingly insignificant points are reciting their evolution aloud!

The sound of the night-These are a few of my favourite things!

Wonders of the Solar System

The Blue Planet-Earth! Blue because of the life sustaining liquid water in abundance. It’s a perfect ‘Goldilocks’ planet. Neither too hot, nor too cold and even better with its thick atmosphere and perfect ratio of gases. Above all, it supports life right from micro organisms to the mammoths. It is the reason we are all here. Then there are nature’s creations that intake carbon dioxide and sunlight and make their own food-the plants. Earth is the third of eight planets of our Solar system and is simply perfect! This is indeed the biggest and most fascinating wonder of the Solar System (and the Universe as much as we know it today).

The others may be not-so-perfect, yet they are enchanting, appealing and posing several open questions. Flowing with the laws of physics known and unknown, these are striking in all sense! While every planet still holds plentiful mysteries and abundant wonders, there is at least that one special feature which cracks us up! These are to me the wonders of the Solar system. The first one mentioned above. The Planet Earth with the perfect distance, spin, atmosphere, liquid water, and life definitely makes it to the top of charts. 

Mercury, the Roman Messenger God, having a year of less than three Earth months, is extreme! It is closest to the Sun, smallest yet dense. With no significant atmosphere, it has extreme temperature rise during the day and extreme drop during the night. The lack of atmosphere is also responsible for the intense battering the tiny planet faces. Mariner 10 first gave us close insight about Mercury and now it is the MESSENGER orbiting, mapping and revealing the secrets. Mercury is scarred, heavily cratered. The giant Caloris Basin, spanning 1550 kilometres is the most distinct geological feature on this little planet and is one of the largest multi ring impact basins in the solar system. 

Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love (I'm sure no woman would want to be from Venus) is hellish with its thick carbon dioxide clouds, toxic sulphuric acid and killing atmospheric pressures. It’s sluggish-a day on Venus lasts 243 Earth days (for all those who complain of 24 hours being too less should have a day out here) and spins retrograde. Well, it isn't all that bad! It’s the brightest one (and hottest) around! The greenhouse effect is one of the most extreme process happening here. It is what makes it the hottest planet-thick cover of carbon dioxide. You need RADAR eyes to penetrate this envelope. And beneath it you would see rolling plains, highlands, plateaus, lava plains and many (tens of thousands) volcanoes making Venus (courtesy the missions). The morphological range varies from huge Venusian shields to pancakes to coronas.

When it comes to the highest mountain volcano in the Solar System, it has to be Mars, the Roman God of War.  The Olympus Mons (over 25 kilometres) stands much taller than Mt Everest. The volcano would be something to look at! And if that wasn't enough spectacular, there is Valles Marineris, the longest (about 4000 km long) and deepest (2-7 km) equatorial canyon system. Still not enough? It has large impact basins- Hellas and Argyre! Mars is reddish due to the oxidized or rusted iron-rich minerals. Mars has valleys, volcanoes, canyons, fractures, craters. It experiences seasons and growing and receding ice caps. It is frequented by dust storms lasting for months, has huge ancient flood plains, gullies, channels. It is now being studied by a robot geologist-Curiosity. Evidence for liquid water and life remain the prime questions. With these remarkable features, Mars must be a geologist’s paradise!

Jupiter-the King of Roman Gods. It looks handsome, most massive (much massive than all planets put together), and superlative at a glance, true to its name, it never fails to impress. The Lord of the Planets has dozens of moons (60 +) at its behest. It has the shortest day in all planets (less than ten hours). Beautiful well segregated atmospheric bands are seen as latitudinal zonation. Its planetary atmosphere is the largest spreading. Hydrogen, hydrogen and more hydrogen and some Helium are the key constituents of it. The Great Red Spot is the grandest feature of Jupiter. Huge enough to engulf the Earth, it is an anti cyclonic storm persistent since few centuries.  Jupiter also has the strongest magnetic field in all planets. This gas giant with number of moons revolving around resembles a diminutive solar system! 

Well, well well, Saturn can’t be left behind when you speak of the wonders. If Jupiter is the Lord, Saturn is the Queen. Its beauty is awe-inspiring and colour stunning golden yellow. Blessed with the rings, they only add to its beauty. One can never forget the first time they watch Saturn through the telescope. It’s addictive. None of the planets have the complicated and glorious ring system as Saturn, it comprises of rings, ringlets, spokes of ice, dust, rock debris, fragments tiny and large.  Cassini has given us many extraordinary images from this ringed planet. Interesting fact: It’s less dense than water, so it would float given a HUGE tub! Saturn is sheer grace, absolute beauty. 

Uranus, the ice giant, isn't all that bland as it would seem. It’s dynamic and mysterious! Strong winds, bright clouds, ring system, seasonal variations, irregular magnetic field, large moons and small ones-that and much more! William Hershel is the discoverer of this planet. In fact the story of discovery of the planets Uranus and Neptune is in itself astounding. Its blue green hue (absorption of red) is because of the methane in its atmosphere along with hydrogen and helium. It appears toppled on one side (probably due to a collision in its early history) and rotates east to west.  Voyager 2 revealed many details about Uranus which were till then unexplored. And to remember the names of Uranus moons, thou art to read the Shakespeare’s plays! 

The smallest of the gas giants and the eighth planet of our Solar System-the intense azure Neptune, the Roman God of Sea, was on look out ever since the discovery of Uranus and subsequent detection of gravitational perturbation. Again, we owe a great deal to Voyager 2 flyby for particulars about Neptune. Very high speed winds (supersonic) prevail in the weather system of Neptune making it dynamic and varied. These are often sustained for a longer duration. Taking about 165 years to orbit the Sun, Neptune has completed only one orbit (in 2011) since it was discovered. Due to the strange elliptical orbit of the dwarf planet Pluto, Neptune sometimes goes beyond Pluto (for 20 years of 248 years).  The Great Dark Spot is the famous anti cyclonic storm detected on Neptune during the Voyager flyby, large enough to swallow the Earth which died out over time. Neptune too has a ring system. Neptune is cold and dark and yet many features remain unknown.

So what makes all the planets so unique? Why is it that all planets have evolved so differently? Negligible atmosphere on planet one, thick atmospheric cover on another, liquid water and booming life on next, a 25 kilometre volcano on red planet, then the gas giant, the rings making another one most breath taking, the ‘spinning-like-top’ planet, the supersonic winds on the last body we call as planet in the solar system! From dense surface of one to no surface at all! From no moons of a planet, to irregular moons, to more than 60 moons of another! From red to blue to azure planets! 

Posing more questions than solutions, this is the harvest of curiosity!

P.S: There can never be enough said about them. But these are just a few of the absorbing things we would get hooked to, to know more. And when so much is said about the planets, I should do justice to speak about their companions-their satellites too! Stay tuned!

**Figures, numbers, for orbit, rotation, revolution source NASA