In a rare and inspiring moment, the International Space Station carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was photographed as it passed over India, appearing as a bright, fast-moving dot in the night sky. The images were taken by scientists at the historic Kodaikanal Solar Observatory located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu.
The ISS orbits Earth at around 400 kilometers altitude and travels at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour. Onboard is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to live on the ISS, where he is currently conducting advanced scientific research for Indian institutions.
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics since 1899, is known for its long-standing contribution to solar studies. This time, the team shifted their focus from the Sun to the night sky to track and photograph the space station.
Capturing the ISS in motion is a complex task that demands accurate timing and precision. The observatory’s elevation of 2,343 meters offers clear skies that are ideal for astrophotography. Dr Chrisphin Karthick, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, used a carefully planned setup to photograph the station as it moved overhead.
He relied on the ISS Detector mobile app to track and predict the exact time of the pass. Using a camera with ISO 4000, a 2.2mm focal length, an aperture of f/2.2, and a shutter speed of 1/17 second, Dr Karthick successfully captured the ISS in low light conditions.
These images not only trace the ISS’s path over India but also highlight India’s growing role in global space missions. The event has sparked excitement among scientists and the general public alike.
The photographs from Kodaikanal stand as a proud reminder of India’s achievements in space. As Shukla orbits above, millions on the ground continue to look up with pride.
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