ET Xploration Guide: Five easy steps to find Aliens

Finding aliens is not really all that difficult, you just have to know exactly what should you be on a lookout for in the space. You see, if I were to ask you to find my lost needle somewhere on a football ground, you might...oh well, you sure wont be able to find it. But if i told you that it is within a 1 meter radius from a certain corner of the field, is shiny and is coloured Golden, then of course, your chances increase many fold. Same for the aliens. You have to know exactly which part of the Universe is most suitable for ET exploration, and what must you be looking for in that region. Of course I collected this information from varied sources and if you want to know more, just scroll down to the end of the post and click on the sources. Here you go...I hope after reading this you'll be able to catch a few aliens on your own. Happy Reading!

Universe is Huge. Billions of galaxies and Each galaxy consisting of billions of stars with many of them having planets.

1. Where should I go about finding the small green things with antennae on their head? 

Ah! lets see...Universe is unimaginably vast. It has billions of galaxies and that it is a good thing because the bigger the Universe, bigger will be the probability of existence of planets which can harbour life! But too many galaxies also makes the task of finding aliens tougher as you do not know which places to look first. A new research gives some idea about where should we be looking but in a very indirect way. Scientists suspect that the laws of Physics might not be same throughout the Universe! In astrophysics, there is a constant called "alpha" which measures the strength of electromagnetism. Since it is a constant, its value should be same on Earth, on Alpha Centauri, on Sun, other galaxies - everywhere. But there are suspicions that it might actually be true. After measuring alpha in distant galaxies,it was found out that alpha is not same everywhere! and seems to vary continuously along a preferred axis through the Universe which passes through the Earth,” said Webb, how is researching this phenomenon at the University of South Wales, Australia and is a well known Researcher. If true, imagine what it can mean! It will mean that laws of physics are simply local by-laws! It is like saying Newton's laws might be correct on Earth but not Mars! So, it seems like the Earth, and its cosmic surroundings are "fine tuned" for the existence of life! If it is true that laws of physics vary, then it means that these laws have moulded themselves in just the right way for Earth to support life. So, here is your answer. If you want to find aliens, look at places near Earth, don't do too far away where the laws of physics become unfavourable to support life. Now of course when I say "near Earth" on cosmic scale it can mean a few hundred light years. But hey!...you're looking for aliens, gonna have to work hard of course, they don't grow in backyards. 

Lasers can be powerful tools of communication as well as tools of research. They can travel long distances with little loss of energy. 

2. What should I be looking for? 

I
nternet. Yeah, that's your answer. Sadly AT&T people do not offer inter planetary internet services so they won't help you, but I mean looking for "internet" in a different way. Imagine Earth 300 years from now. Your Grandma lives on Mars, you live on Earth and your sister in law is on Pandora. How will you invite them for your birthday party? Yes, you will use electromagnetic radiations of strong strengths to transmit messages. So if there are aliens, they might also be using some sort of concentrated signals to send messages across the space. That is what you should be looking for. Concentrated electromagnetic signals which are of unusual - artificial origin. Geoffery Marcy, discoverer of the first system of exo-planets can come to your rescue here. After all, all of this "concentrated signal" stuff is his brain child.  Marcy believes that there may be other civilizations in the universe that are years ahead of human society and might currently be communicating with radio signals in a network he calls a “galactic Internet.” Marcy uses advanced telescopes to detect concentrated signals in space. He believes these signals may indicate the existence of another advanced civilization, because nothing in the universe is known to emit such signals. The Templeton Foundation recently granted him $200,000 for his proposal!...How bad it must feel to have 200,000 dollars and not being able to spend it on things you like. Anyway, As more and more Earthlike planets are being discovered, some scientists feel that there is no longer anything “particularly special about Earth” that makes it uniquely conducive to life, according to Andrew Siemion, a project scientist in the UC Berkeley SETI group.

Every year, the program gathers approximately $1 million in funding, which is spread over 10 unique projects, according to Dan Werthimer, director of the UC Berkeley group. Distinct categories each concern a certain range of the electromagnetic wave spectrum, because the researchers cannot be sure at which wavelength other civilizations may be emitting their signals.

Okay so now you know what to look for and where to look for. I have a lot more to share on this topic but I have to go and have dinner. So, some other time. But this should give you a good start! All you need now are some of the biggest telescopes on Earth, super expensive radiation detectors and some clearances to use these equipments. And chips. It can be draining. Al right then, gotta eat!...Godspeed and may the force be with you in your alien hunting.         

Sources : Galactic Internet, Fine tuning of Universe; 

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Russian Intervention: Role of Russia in war of 1971

India and Russia have had such warm and extremely friendly relations that it often surprises me as to why this political and strategic warmth  in relations hasn't been able to instil a greater interaction between the Indian and Russian people in general. I mean we make everything from guns to supersonic fighter jets with the Russians but I barely come across an Indian who wants to go to Russia for higher education or who has a Russian girlfriend for that matter! But then, Britain and United States share good relations as far as military is concerned and how often do you see an American praising England? So, I guess it is nothing abnormal between us and the Russians.

Indian jets bombing Karachi Harbour during the war of '71

The world in 1960-70s was very different from what it is now. It was extremely bipolar - There were Pro US countries, and there were Pro Soviet countries. India was of course the founding member of the non aligned group, but then the rest of the world judged India to be inclined more or less towards the Soviet side. On the other hand, Pakistan was a close ally of USA, already a member of the American lead military pacts - CENTO and SEATO. So, India's declaration of war with Pakistan, put the entire pro-US section as unease.  During the first week of the war, US had restricted itself to supplying arms and ammunition to Pakistan and putting diplomatic pressure on India by sending numerous letters and calls to Indira Gandhi. Their view, however, was challenged when Indian forces restricted the Pakistan's Navy to the ports of Karachi and carried out totally successful air raids and land attacks deep Inside East Pakistan. It was then, that Nixon was forced to think that diplomacy was not going to be enough to stop India, and military force was considered. The plan was to move all possible military forces towards India and generate fear in Indian political command to force them into negotiations. One of the most potent forces in the United States, the Task Force 74 led by the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise sailed into the bay of Bengal. And why will the Britain, strong supporter  of United States, get left behind? A carrier battle group lead by carrier HMS Eagle was moved towards the bay of Bengal. The Turks were asked to fly jets over Indian soil. Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia too had either agreed, or were in process of surrounding India with whatever they had - ships, jets, anything. Nixon had been counting strongly on China. Many letters were addressed to the Chinese political top notch to intervene in the situation. United States wanted some sort of Chinese involvement in the war to build pressure on India. Desperation was clear in what he shared with Kissinger "All they've got to do is move something. Move a division. You know, move some trucks. Fly some planes. You know, some symbolic act. We're not doing a goddamn thing, Henry, you know that." But the Chinese didn't even warn the Indians. They decided it was not in their interest to be nosy. 

And what happened? India liberated Bangladesh, defeated Pakistan badly and established her regional supremacy. With 'almost' every nation criticizing India's decision to go on the war, United States and Britain moving their forces into Indian Ocean, hostile neighbour on the north eastern border and an ongoing war to deal with, how was India able to turn the table to its advantage? Because, we had a good friend. A really valuable friend who understood and shared the cause for which we had gone to war. Who said she'll take care of things and she did. Things could have been very different if China had entered the war. But Soviet Union had assured Indira Gandhi that if Chinese decided in favour of any misadventure, they'll intervene and contain China from the North. On December 10, Nixon instructed Kissinger to ask the Chinese to move some troops toward the Indian frontier. 'Threaten to move forces or move them, Henry, that's what they must do now.' China feared any action on India might attract Soviet aggression. At this, US assured China that any action taken by Soviet Union will be countered by US to protect China. Pakistani army had somehow maintained their position and resisted Indian advancement. They believed China is preparing to open the Northern front which will slow down or completely stop the Indian advancement. In fact, the myth of Chinese activity was also communicated to Pakistan's army to boost their moral, to keep their will to fight and hope alive. Lieutenant General A A K Niazi, the Pakistani army commander in Dhaka, was informed: "NEFA front has been activated by Chinese, although the Indians, for obvious reasons, have not announced it." But Beijing never did. Chinese could not risk a war with Russians. 

India's aircraft carrier 'INS Vikrant' in operation during the 1971 war. It effectively kept Pakistani Navy holed up in Karachi Harbour.

Russia had been with India all the way. In fact they were a step ahead of the Americans and the English. Remember HMS Eagle was moving towards the Indian coasts? Well the Russians had been tracking their movement already. Tee Hee. Confidential - The Commander of the Military Intelligence Service Gen. Pyotr Ivashutin. "The Soviet Intelligence has reported that the English operative connection has come nearer to territorial India, water led by an aircraft carrier “Eagle” [On December 10]. For helping friendly India, Soviet government has directed a group of ships under the command of contr-admiral V. Kruglyakov."

Vladimir Kruglyakov, the former (1970-1975) Commander of the 10th Operative Battle Group (Pacific Fleet) remembers:

"I was ordered by the Chief Commander to track the British Navy's advancement, I positioned our battleships in the Bay of Bengal and watched for the British carrier "Eagle".

But Soviet Union didn't have enough force to resist if they encountered the British Carrier. Therefore, to support the existing Soviet fleet in the Bay of Bengal, Soviet cruisers, destroyers and nuclear submarines, equipped with anti ship missiles, were sent from Vladivostok.

In reaction English Navy retreated and went South to Madagascar.

Soon the news of American carrier Enterprise and USS Tripoli's advancement towards Indian water came.

USS Enterprise

V. Kruglyakov “ I had obtained the order from the commander-in-chief not to allow the advancement of the American fleet to the military bases of India”

"We encircled them and aimed the missiles at the 'Enterprise'. We had blocked their way and didn't allow them to head anywhere, neither to Karachi, nor to Chittagong or Dhaka".

The Soviet ships had small range rockets (only upto 300 KM). Therefore, to hold the opponent under the range, commanders ran risks of going as near to the enemy as possible.

"The Chief Commander had ordered me to lift the submarines and bring them to the surface so that it can be pictured by the American spy satellites or can be seen by the American Navy!' It was done to demonstrate, that we had all the needed things in Indian Ocean, including the nuclear submarines. I had lifted them, and they recognized it. Then, we intercepted the American communication. The commander of the Carrier Battle Group was then the counter-admiral Dimon Gordon. He sent the report to the 7th American Fleet Commander: 'Sir, we are too late. There are Russian nuclear submarines here, and a big collection of battleships'.

Americans returned and couldn't do anything. Soviet Union had also threatened China that, if they ever opened a front against India on its border, they will receive a tough response from North. Russia made sure nothing distracted India from its goal. There were there for us when war started, and they were there until the wreckage of the war had been cleaned. Wreckage...well that wreckage was no ordinary wreckage it was wreckage made of 'gold', literally. But let me leave that story for some other day, some other post. 

Russia's contributions to India's security: FGFA, Sukhoi Su 30MKI, Brahmos, T90, INS Chakra, INS Vikramaditya.

Its 2013 now, things have changed. Countries once determined to destroy us are eager to do business with India, sign nuclear pacts and look at us to take care of things in the region. It is so funny. Americans once wanted the Chinese to contain India, now they want us to contain China. Iran readied its jets to hit India in favour of Americans, now Iran looks to India to keep its economy going amid sanctions imposed by United States. Selfishness drives the globe. But one thing has not changed. The friendship India and Russia share. Never once in so many decades Russia and India shared a bitter moment. So if 'others' ever wonder why we favour Russian equipment over theirs, they should understand that probably it is because Indians mean more than business. We look for people we can trust, count on. 

All I hope is that if someday Russia needs India the way we needed them back in '71, India should be able to do that just fine.      

           

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India's Date with Mars: Mangalyaan

Curiosity might be in for a little discomfort and jealousy as Mangalyaan, India's Mars probe, will try to woo the 'hot' red planet in this coming October-November. It is nothing as complicated or even as robust as the Curiosity of course, it is a basically a technology demonstration project which will see a satellite being placed into Mars's orbit. But when it comes to probing Mars, which is full of mysteries and possibilities, every achievement is a big achievement. Bringing you some information about this mission, happy reading!  

PSLV 

What is Mangalyaan? 

The Mangalyaan mission,  which will translate to "Mars Craft mission" in English, is a planned Mars orbiter to be launched in November 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).The mission is a "technology demonstrator" project aiming to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission. The Mangalyaan Mars probe will lift off using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket and will be India's first mission to Mars.  If successful, ISRO would become the fourth space agency to reach Mars, after ROSCOSMOS, NASA, and ESA

How will it reach Mars? 

The launch will place Mangalyaan first into Earth orbit, then six engine firings will raise that orbit to one with an apogee of 215,000 km and a perigee of 600 km. A final firing will send Mangalyaan onto an interplanetary trajectory. The craft will finally reach the Mars Orbit in September 2014 and would allow the spacecraft to enter a highly elliptical orbit of 500 km x 80,000 km around Mars. The spacecraft's dry mass is planned to be 500 kg, and it will carry 850 kg of propellant and oxidizer. The main engine uses the bipropellant combination monomethylhydrazine and dinitrogen tetroxide for orbit insertion and other maneuvers.

What is it supposed to do after reaching there? 

Well I could sure tell you some over the top things like it will use Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer to study the atmosphere etc but then that feels boring even to me while writing this, so let me explain it in non-nerd language. It will carry with it five major probing components. One of these will help in recording the temperature variations on and near the surface of Mars, then it has a sensor will will study the composition of its atmosphere, a third sensor to study the radiations taking place off the surface, some device to map the surface, and finally my favourite of them all, a fancy color camera to click some good pictures and relay them back to Earth. 

Some quick facts about the mission:

• The launch mass of the spacecraft will be 1350 kilo grams. 
• The probe will be powered by solar energy, with its panels producing 750W of power while orbiting Mars.
• The journey from Earth to Mars will take about 300 days.

  

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An Arrow from my quiver of dumb-but-popular-these-days stuff!

   Guess what do Star Wars and Indiana Jones have in                  common?

   Eating Noodles? May the force be with you. 

   These are some precision robots!

    

   True...

   America needs oil!...hide yours! 

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Some Inspiring Quotes I Came Across On Internet

We all need some inspiration in our lives sometime or the other, after all, life is full of ups and downs. These quotes do not belong to me, but what better way can there be than to learn from each other? I read these and I felt better, so here're the same for you. Happy Reading!  

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