Astroblogs

In recent astronomical observations, the Hubble Space Telescope has confirmed the existence of Cloud-9, a compact cloud of neutral hydrogen gas devoid of stars. This object, classified as a Reionization-Limited H I Cloud (RELHIC), represents a type of structure predicted by theories of galaxy formation but rarely observed. Located approximately 14 million light-years from Earth near the spiral galaxy Messier 94, Cloud-9 provides evidence for the role of dark matter in the ear

In the quiet hush of a schoolyard after dusk, a cluster of wide-eyed children huddles around a modest telescope, their breaths fogging the lens as they strain to catch a glimpse of Jupiter's faint glow. It's moments like these that pull you back to your own childhood stargazing—lying on a rooftop, tracing constellations with a finger, wondering what secrets the universe held. For me, astronomy was always that distant thrill, confined to dog-eared textbooks or grainy TV docume

As Earth continues its steady journey around the Sun in 2026, the night sky responds with a sequence of beautifully timed celestial events. These moments—shaped by gravity, motion, and simple geometry—allow us to witness the workings of the solar system with our own eyes. For observers in India, where large parts of the year offer clear skies, 2026 brings several rewarding opportunities to look up and reconnect with the cosmos. Among all these events, one stands out for its s

This artist’s illustration depicts the ultra-hot super-Earth exoplanet TOI-561 b as inferred from observations by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and other facilities. The data indicate that the planet is enveloped by a dense atmosphere lying above a planet-wide magma ocean. Astronomers have long assumed that rocky planets orbiting extremely close to their stars are stripped bare of any atmosphere. The intense heat and radiation should quickly erode gases, leaving behind ex

If you've ever gazed up at the night sky and felt a bit cheated by Bombay’s city lights, you're not alone. The streetlights and haze can make spotting stars feel like a losing battle. But guess what? There’s a secret hiding in plain sight this winter, and you don’t need to escape the city to find it. It’s the Orion Nebula—a massive cloud of gas and dust where stars are being born right now. Yes, you can see it from Bombay if you know exactly where to look. How to Find Orion N

This image from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope showcases an H II region within the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a nearby satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The nebula, called N79, is an area filled with ionised atomic hydrogen, seen here through the Webb telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). Imagine stepping into a cosmic freezer. I’m not talking about the ice maker in your kitchen, or even the polar caps of Mars. I mean a swirling disk of frozen gas and

The classic Pleiades (M45) On a crisp winter night, step outside, face the constellation Taurus, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. There, high in the sky, you’ll spot a tiny, sparkling dipper-like group of stars — the Pleiades, or as they’re affectionately known, the Seven Sisters. This dazzling jewel box has captivated stargazers for millennia. Even in light-polluted cities, its brightest members shine through, a reminder of the universe’s ancient beauty. But in Nove

Understanding Exoplanets Exoplanets are fascinating. They exist beyond our solar system, orbiting distant stars. The search for these planets is not just about finding new worlds; it's about understanding the universe and our place within it. Each discovery opens a window into the possibilities of life beyond Earth. 1. Direct Imaging As indicated by its name, Direct Imaging involves directly capturing images of exoplanets. This is achievable by seeking the light reflected by

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt a rush of awe? The twinkling stars, the glowing moon, and the vast darkness sprinkled with cosmic mysteries invite us to explore beyond our everyday lives. I’ve always been fascinated by the universe, and diving into its secrets has been one of the most thrilling adventures. If you’re curious too, you’re in for a treat! Let me take you on a journey where you can experience the wonders of the universe firsthand, especially thro

Every December, the Geminids meteor shower lights up the night sky with up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak. Unlike most meteor showers that come from comets, the Geminids originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. These meteors are bright, fast (reaching 35 km/s), and often show colors ranging from white to yellow, green, and red. This composite image captures more than 100 meteors streaking across the sky during the peak of the 2014 Geminid meteor shower. Credit: Danielle M

If you live in Mumbai and find yourself longing for a clear view of the night sky, away from the usual city haze, ARC Educators Astrocamp Bhandardara offers a straightforward way to experience it. I joined one last year, and it was a refreshing change—practical sessions under real stars, with enough structure to guide newcomers without overwhelming anyone. The camp runs from evening arrival to morning departure, centered on telescopic views and expert stargazing sessions, al

“We are not just in the universe. The universe is in us.” — Carl Sagan In the vast expanse of the universe, where stars are born and die in silent symphonies, occasional guests arrive unannounced. These are the interstellar objects—fleeting emissaries from distant stellar nurseries. On July 1, 2025, one such visitor entered our awareness: Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar comet to grace our solar system. Following the enigmatic 1I/ʻOumuamua in 2017 and the mor

“You don’t need fancy gear to start shooting the sky!” If you’ve ever looked up at the Milky Way and wished you could capture its beauty, you’re not alone. Astrophotography — the art of photographing the night sky — is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with the universe. The best part? You don’t need an expensive telescope or ultra-professional camera to begin. With a little preparation, patience, and passion, anyone can start shooting the stars right from their backy

Every November, the Earth drifts through a trail of dust and debris left behind by Comet Tempel-Tuttle — and that’s when the Leonids meteor shower comes alive. Each streak of light you see is a tiny fragment — some no bigger than a grain of sand — burning brilliantly as it collides with Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 70 km per second. For a few nights around mid-November, the night sky transforms into a silent, cosmic theatre. A burst of Leonid meteors captured in 1999 from an

Imagine lying under a sky full of stars, far from the city lights, watching streaks of light flash across the heavens. That’s the magic of the Leonids Meteor Shower. On the night of 15 November 2025 , the universe is putting on a show, and you can experience it with us at our AstroCamp in Bhandardara , a serene destination near Mumbai. This guide explains what makes the Leonids special, how to watch them in India, and why joining our camp is the perfect way to witness this co

Ever wondered what the stars look like up close? At Arc Educators, we bring the universe a little closer to you with Mumbai’s largest telescope, right on our stargazing deck. This powerful optical marvel isn’t just a tool, it’s your ticket to the cosmos. You can see the craters of the Moon in sharp detail, the moons of Jupiter, and even galaxies millions of light-years away. But how did we get here? Let’s go back in time. Who Invented Telescopes ? The story of the telescope b

There are nights you remember for a lifetime — nights when the sky itself becomes your storyteller. And there’s no better stage for that cosmic drama than the golden dunes of Jaisalmer , where the Thar Desert  meets the infinite sky. This winter, as the Leonids Meteor Shower  streaks across the heavens, Arc Educators  invites you to experience a night under the Thar stars  — an awe-inspiring stargazing journey that blends astronomy, adventure, and wonder  in the most magical

Introduction to Dark Matter Imagine walking through a city where half the buildings are invisible, yet their weight holds the streets in place. That’s what dark matter does to our universe—an unseen force shaping galaxies, stars, and even the path of light itself. Just as ultramassive black holes warp spacetime like cosmic anchors, dark matter silently sculpts the universe’s grand design. An artistic description of interacting particles of matter In this post, we’ll explore t

Mumbai, the bustling city of dreams, is famous for its skyscrapers, beaches, and nightlife. But beyond the city lights lies a hidden universe waiting to be explored. For astronomy lovers and curious sky-watchers, stargazing in Mumbai and its outskirts can be a magical experience. While light pollution often dims the stars within the city, there are still plenty of observatories, forts, and countryside escapes where the cosmos reveals its brilliance. Whether you’re a beginner

The night sky is preparing for a breathtaking celestial show! On 7th September 2025 , a Total Lunar Eclipse  will be visible across all...