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Scientist Jayant Murthy Gets Stellar Tribute – Asteroid Named After Him by International Astronomical Union

In a tribute to Indian scientific prowess, an asteroid has been named after the distinguished scientist Jayant Murthy. The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the authoritative body responsible for naming objects in the Solar System, recently announced that an asteroid previously known as 2005 EX296 now bears the name (215884) Jayantmurthy. A Star-Studded Journey Discovered by MW Buie in 2005 at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, USA, asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy embarks on a journey around the Sun, completing an orbit between Mars and Jupiter every 3.3 years. This celestial wanderer, now bearing the name of Professor Murthy, reflects his significant contributions to the field of space exploration and ultraviolet astronomy. Pioneering Research and Cosmic Insights Professor Jayant Murthy, during his tenure at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), played a pivotal role in NASA's New Horizons Science Team. This team made groundbreaking observations of the ultraviolet background radiation, shedding light on cosmic phenomena far beyond the reaches of our Solar System. Murthy's expertise and dedication to unraveling the mysteries of space have left an indelible mark on our understanding of the universe. Gratitude and Global Impact Expressing his delight over this cosmic honor, Professor Murthy conveyed his gratitude, stating, "I am thrilled to have an asteroid named after me, in connection with my work on the New Horizons team, led by Dr. Alan Stern." His sentiments echo the sentiments of many in the scientific community, acknowledging the significance of his contributions to space research. A Legacy Written in the Stars As Professor Murthy joins the ranks of esteemed scientists with celestial bodies bearing their names, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics celebrates his legacy. Director Prof Annapurni Subramaniam hailed this honor as a unique acknowledgment of Murthy's global impact and contributions to cosmic exploration. This recognition places Murthy alongside other luminaries of IIA, further cementing India's position in the realm of space research. The naming of asteroid (215884) Jayantmurthy serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists and demonstrates the collaborative spirit of global scientific endeavor. As Professor Murthy's name twinkles among the stars, his legacy continues to inspire future generations to explore the vast expanse of the cosmos.

27 Mar 2024

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99 Million-Year-Old Feathers in Amber Reveal Clue to Dinosaur Survival After Asteroid Impact

Scientists have discovered bird feathers preserved in amber dating back 99 million years, which could provide clues as to why some dinosaurs survived the asteroid impact that wiped out their species. The feathers were discovered in Myanmar and were found to be from a type of bird that lived during the late Cretaceous period. The study, which was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests that the feathers may have played a role in the survival of some species of birds and dinosaurs. The feathers had a unique structure that allowed them to maintain their shape even in extreme conditions, such as high heat or pressure. Researchers believe that this could have been an adaptation that helped some species survive the asteroid impact that caused a mass extinction event. The feathers may have helped protect the birds and dinosaurs from the intense heat and pressure that resulted from the impact. Lead author of the study, Dr. Lida Xing, said, "The discovery of these feathers is remarkable because it provides us with a glimpse into the world of birds and dinosaurs just before the mass extinction event that wiped them out. It also gives us new insights into how some species may have adapted to survive in extreme conditions." The discovery of these feathers is a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the evolution of birds and dinosaurs and could lead to further research on their survival strategies.

12 Jul 2023

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Global News

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NASA on a Mission To Save the Earth From Future Disasters

This may seem straight out of a sci-fi movie as NASA gears up to develop a surveyor that can detect and destroy asteroids, comets, or other such objects that may pose a threat to our planet. A new space-based surveyor that will help classify millions of near-Earth objects has now passed a thorough technical evaluation and is ready for budgeting and construction. While history has demonstrated that larger ones can be catastrophic, these objects have the potential to cause major regional destruction. Although luck has been on humanity's side thus far, slow-growing wisdom has led NASA to establish a Planetary Defense Coordination Office in order to figure out how to safeguard Earth against such occurrences. At least 90% of the near-Earth objects larger than 140 meters (460 feet) in diameter that passes within 30 million miles of the orbit of our planet will now be found and identified by the NEO Surveyor mission.  Lindley Johnson, NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer at PDCO stated that while ground-based telescopes are still necessary for us to keep an eye on the sky, a space-based infrared observatory is the ultimate high ground that will support NASA's planetary defense strategy. NEO Surveyor will view the solar system in the infrared spectrum of light. That means it will be able to detect even those objects in space that don’t reflect light. This is one great mission that is bound to protect the earth for eons.

26 Dec 2022

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