Tag: Moon

  • Orbiter photos show lunar modules from first 2 moon landings more than 50 years later

    Orbiter photos show lunar modules from first 2 moon landings more than 50 years later

    Recent photos taken by India’s Space Research Organization moon orbiter, known as Chandrayaan 2, clearly show the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 landing sites more than 50 years later. 

    The photos were taken by the Chandrayaan 2 orbiter in April 2021 and were reshared on Curiosity’s X page – which posts about space exploration – on Wednesday. 

    “Image of Apollo 11 and 12 taken by India’s Moon orbiter. Disapproving Moon landing deniers,” Curiosity wrote on X, along with the overhead photos that show the landing vehicles on the surface of the moon. 

    Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, making Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin the first men to walk on its surface. 

    US PREPARES TO DEORBIT INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AMID CHINA COMPETITION 

    Recent photos taken by India’s Space Research Organization moon orbiter, known as Chandrayaan 2, clearly show the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 landing sites more than 50 years later.  (India Space Research Organization )

    Astronaut Michael Collins, the third man on the Apollo 11 mission, remained in orbit while Aldrin and Armstrong walked on the moon. 

    The lunar module, known as Eagle, was left in lunar orbit after it rendezvoused with the command module Collins was in the next day and Eagle eventually landed back on the moon’s surface. 

    Apollo 12 was NASA’s second crewed mission to land on the moon on Nov. 19, 1969, in which Charles “Pete” Conrad and Alan Bean became the third and fourth men to walk on its surface.  

    Apollo 11 mission

    Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin deploys a scientific experiment package on the surface of the moon.  In the background is the Lunar Module, as is a flag of the United States.  (Photo by Neil Armstrong/NASA/Getty Images) (Neil Armstrong/NASA/Getty Images)

    The Apollo missions continued until December 1972, when the program was shut down and astronaut Eugene Cernan became the last man to walk on the moon. 

    NASA FINALIZES STRATEGY FOR HUMAN PRESENCE IN SPACE

    The Chandrayaan-2 mission launched on July 22, 2019, exactly 50 years after the Apollo 11 mission and two years before it captured images of the 1969 lunar landers. 

    Apollo 12 mission

    Beside NASA’s Apollo 12 ‘Intrepid’ Lunar Module, American astronaut Alan Bean unloads equipment from the Modular Equipment Stowage Assembly (MESA) on the surface of the moon, November 19, 1969.  (NASA/Interim Archives/Getty Images)

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    India also launched Chandrayaan-3 last year, which became the first mission to successfully land neat the moon’s south pole. 

  • When Is Thai Amavasai 2025? Know New Moon Date, Thai Amavasai Muhurtham, Significance and Rituals To Offer Prayers to the Ancestors

    When Is Thai Amavasai 2025? Know New Moon Date, Thai Amavasai Muhurtham, Significance and Rituals To Offer Prayers to the Ancestors

    Thai Amavasai 2025 will be marked on January 29. As the name suggests, Thai Amavasai is marked on the new moon day, in the Tamil month of Thai. Thai Amavasai holds great religious and spiritual significance. While all Amavasya are supposed to help people pay homage to their forefathers, Thai Amavasai is considered to be an especially auspicious time to do this. As we prepare to celebrate Thai Amavasai 2025, here is everything you need to know about this day, how to celebrate Thai Amavasai and its significance. Amavasya 2025 Dates and Tithi: Complete New Moon Calendar, Rituals and Other Important Details Dedicated to Ancestor Worship and Charity. 

    When is Thai Amavasai 2025? Thai Amavasai Muhurtham

    Thai Amavasai 2025 will be celebrated on January 29. The annual celebration of Thai Amavasai is often focused on remembering the forefathers and indulging in special rituals and activities that help pay homage to them and seek their moksha. The Amavasya tithi for Thai Amavasai 2025 will be marked from 07:35 PM on January 28 to 06:05 PM on January 29. Purnima 2025 Calendar: Know Full Moon Dates, Poornima Significance and Fasting Rituals for the Auspicious Observance. 

    Thai Amavasai Significance and Rituals

    The main reason that Thai Amavasya has special significance is that it is the first Amavasya tithi that is marked in the Uttarayan – during the sun’s northward movement. The celebration of Thai Amavasai is marked by waking up early in the morning, taking a holy bath, making special delicacies and offerings that can be offered to their forefathers and indulging in charity work. Many people also observe the Thai Amavasai fast and seek penance. The celebration is dedicated to the souls of the departed and is marked by observing shrad, tarpan and participating in other rituals on this day.

    The celebration of Thai Amavasai helps people to feel connected to their loved family members, who may have passed on. This observance is one of the most important Amavasya tithi and we hope that this celebration helps you to feel peace.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 12, 2025 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Date in India: Get Ganeshotsav Full Calendar With Start and End Dates, Know the Significance of Madhyahna Kala, Rituals and Forbidden Moon Sighting Explained

    Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Date in India: Get Ganeshotsav Full Calendar With Start and End Dates, Know the Significance of Madhyahna Kala, Rituals and Forbidden Moon Sighting Explained

    Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Date in India: Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesh, the revered deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This festival celebrated with grandeur across India, is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, typically falling in August or September in the Gregorian calendar. Below, find out the Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 calendar with start and end dates, Ganeshotsav rituals, the significance of Madhyahna Kala and why moon sighting is forbidden. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know the Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. 

    Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Dates and Shubh Muhurat

    Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, with the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat (the most auspicious time for the ritual) occurring from 11:05 AM to 01:40 PM, lasting for 2 hours and 34 minutes. It marks the beginning of Ganeshotsav, and the grand festival culminates with Ganesha Visarjan (the immersion of the Ganesha idol) on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

    Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals

    Ganesh Chaturthi marks the start of Ganeshotsav, a ten-day festival that honours the birth of Lord Ganesh. The celebration concludes with Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesh Visarjan day, when devotees partake in a lively street procession to immerse Lord Ganesh’s idol in water, symbolizing the deity’s return to his celestial abode. Purnima 2025 Calendar: Know Full Moon Dates, Poornima Significance and Fasting Rituals for the Auspicious Observance. 

    Significance of Madhyahna Kala For Ganesh Puja

    The worship of Lord Ganesh on Ganesh Chaturthi is performed during the Madhyahna Kala—midday, which is considered the most auspicious time for the Ganapati Sthapana (installation of the idol) and Ganapati Puja. According to the Hindu division of the day, the time between sunrise and sunset is divided into five parts: Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayankal. Among these, Madhyahna is the ideal time for performing the Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja, a detailed ritual that involves 16 steps of worship to honour the deity.

    The Forbidden Moon Sighting on Ganesh Chaturthi

    One important tradition associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is the prohibition of moon sighting. It is believed that seeing the moon on this day leads to Mithya Dosha (false accusations or dishonour). According to Puranic legends, Lord Krishna was falsely accused of stealing the Syamantaka jewel after he gazed at the moon on the same day. The curse, placed by Lord Ganesha, decreed that anyone who sights the moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi would incur Mithya Dosha and face dishonour in society.

    This mythological tale is why devotees avoid moon gazing during Ganesh Chaturthi, with the belief that observing the fast and performing the rituals correctly will ensure the removal of any such curses or misfortunes.

    Ganesh Chaturthi, therefore, is not only a time of joyous celebration but also a time for devotees to seek blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth while adhering to ancient customs and rituals passed down through generations.

    (Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Chandra Darshan 2025 Dates in January: Know Moon Sighting Time, Puja Rituals and Significance of the Auspicious Monthly Ritual

    Chandra Darshan 2025 Dates in January: Know Moon Sighting Time, Puja Rituals and Significance of the Auspicious Monthly Ritual

    Chandra Darshan is the sighting of the crescent moon for the first time after Amavasya i.e. New Moon. This day is considered to be an auspicious day in Hinduism and is believed to have some religious significance. Devotees keep a day-long fast and break it after seeing the Moon at night on the day of Chandra darshan. The Moon is visible for a very short period on the first day of Chandra darshan. The first Chandra Darshan of 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 1 and the moon sighting tithi will start at 06:12 PM and last till 07:33 PM on the same day. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. 

    The second Chandra Darshan in the month of January 2025 falls on Thursday, January 30. The moon sighting timing is from 06:12 PM to 07:33 PM. People observe this occasion of Chandra Darshan with great devotion, offering prayers and performing rituals to seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and wellbeing. Purnima 2025 Calendar: Know Full Moon Dates, Poornima Significance and Fasting Rituals for the Auspicious Observance. 

    Chandra Darshan in January 2025 Dates and Moon Sighting Time

    • The first Chandra Darshan of 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 1. The tithi will start at 06:12 PM and last till 07:33 PM on the same day.
    • The second Chandra Darshan in the month of January 2025 falls on Thursday, January 30. The tithi will start at 06:12 pm and last till 07:33 pm.

    Chandra Darshan Puja Rituals

    • Devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, wear clean clothes and vow to keep fast for the entire day.
    • The fast is usually observed from sunrise to moonrise, and devotees break it after sighting the crescent moon.
    • Devotees pray to the Moon or Chandra by offering Arghya at sunset and break their day-long fast after seeing the Moon.
    • Some devotees also offer kheer (a sweet rice pudding) as prasad.
    • Reciting Chandra Mantras is a common practice to invoke the blessings of Lord Chandra (the Moon God).
    • Observing the moon with folded hands and expressing gratitude is an integral part of the ritual.

    Chandra Darshan Significance

    Chandra Darshan day holds great significance in Hinduism. Fasting on Chandra Darshan holds immense spiritual significance. Devotees believe that observing this vrat (fast) purifies the mind, body, and soul. It is said to reduce negative influences associated with the moon in one’s horoscope, bringing emotional balance, mental clarity, and good fortune. As per religious beliefs, it is said that a person who performs all the ritualistic worship of the Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan will be bestowed with endless good fortune and prosperity.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2025 05:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Pausha Amavasya 2024 Date and Tithi: Know Timings, Puja Rituals and Significance of the New Moon Day To Honour the Ancestors

    Pausha Amavasya 2024 Date and Tithi: Know Timings, Puja Rituals and Significance of the New Moon Day To Honour the Ancestors

    Pausha Amavasya is an important Hindu day dedicated to honouring and paying respect to the ancestors. Amavasya is the new moon day in Hindu calendar and it is a significant day as many rituals are performed only on Amavasya Tithi. Pausha Amavasya falls in the month of Pausha, which falls in December or January in the Gregorian calendar. The Pausha Amavasya in December 2024 will be on Monday, December 30, 2024. This will be the last Pausha Amavasya of the year 2024. The Amavasya tithi begins at 04:01 AM on December 30 and ends at 03:56 AM on December 31. In this article, let’s know more about Pausha Amavasya 2024 date in December and the significance of the day. Amavasya 2025 Dates and Tithi: Complete New Moon Calendar, Rituals and Other Important Details Dedicated to Ancestor Worship and Charity. 

    Pausha Amavasya 2024 Date and Amavasya Tithi

    • Pausha Amavasya 2024 in December falls on Monday, December 30.
    • The Amavasya tithi begins at 04:01 AM on December 30 and ends at 03:56 AM on December 31.

    Pausha Amavasya Rituals

    • Tarpanam is an important ritual to be followed on the day of Pausha Amavasya. This helps in obtaining their blessing.
    • On this day, devotees offer prayers to their ancestors by performing tarpanam with the help of a priest.
    • The ritual holds great importance in Hinduism. It is also popularly known as Pitru Tarpan. Devotees do this to honours their ancestors and seek blessings for peace and prosperity.
    • On the day of Pausha Amavasya, devotees observe fasts, perform charity, and take holy dips in sacred rivers like the Ganga, as it is believed to help devotees get rid of their past sins. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. 
    • Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari is believed to cleanse sins, purify the soul, and attract divine blessings.
    • Amavasya is also the perfect day to perform pind daan for their ancestors with food and other offerings.

    Pausha Amavasya Significance

    On the day of Pausha Amavasya, devotees hold special prayers and engage in offerings at temples and pilgrimage sites. They offer prayers and food to their ancestors to seek their blessings and pray for the peace of the departed souls. Acts of charity, including donating food, clothes, and money to the needy, hold special significance on this day. It is thought to enhance one’s spiritual merits (Punya). People observe fasts and offer prayers to deities, particularly Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking health, wealth, and happiness.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 05:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Anvadhan and Ishti 2024 Dates: Know Significance of the Auspicious Festival Observed on the New Moon Day

    Anvadhan and Ishti 2024 Dates: Know Significance of the Auspicious Festival Observed on the New Moon Day

    Anvadhan and Ishti are significant festivals in the Hindu calendar that are marked with great devotion, especially by followers of Vaishnava Sampradaya, or devotees of Lord Vishnu. On the day of Anvadhan, devotees observe a day-long fast on and perform Yajna on the day of Ishti. In December 2024, the last Anvadhan and Ishti fall on Krishna Amavasya. With this, Anvadhan falls on Monday, December 30 and Ishti falls on December 31. Anvadhan and Ishti are important Vedic rituals that are a part of Hindu practices even today and are observed on the days of Amavasya and Purnima every month. People observe a day-long fast and perform Yajna for Lord Vishnu. Amavasya 2025 Dates and Tithi: Complete New Moon Calendar, Rituals and Other Important Details Dedicated to Ancestor Worship and Charity. 

    Anvadhan is observed before Ishti. People are usually confused about Ishti and Anvadhan as one event, but it should be noted that these are two different events in the Hindu calendar. In this article, let’s know more about Ishti and Anvadhan in December 2024 and the significance of the Vedic rituals. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. 

    Anvadhan and Ishti 2024 Dates in December

    Anvadhan falls on Monday, December 30 and Ishti falls on December 31.

    Anvadhan and Ishti Significance

    Anvadhan and Ishti are the two days are observed both on the New Moon Day (Amavasya) and the Full Moon Day (Purnima). Therefore, devotees celebrate these auspicious days twice a month. In Sanskrit, Anvadhan means the ritual of adding fuel to keep the sacred fire burning after performing a havan. On this day, those belonging to the Vaishnava Sampradaya keep a day-long fast. Meanwhile, Ishti is a ritual that devotees perform for a short duration to pray for the fulfillment of their desires.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 06:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Black Moon or Solar Eclipse on 30 December 2024? All You Need To Know About the Rare New Moon That’s Not ‘Surya Grahan’

    Black Moon or Solar Eclipse on 30 December 2024? All You Need To Know About the Rare New Moon That’s Not ‘Surya Grahan’

    We come across celestial events almost every month, including some rare occurrences that do not happen every year. But, before the year 2024 ends, we will be treated to a special celestial event. A black moon, the second new moon in a single month, will take place in December 2024. This rare event does not occur every year. Just like how the term ‘blue moon’ is used to describe two full moons in a month, ‘black moon’ refers to two new moons in a month. While ‘black moon’ is not actually the official astronomical name, it is commonly used to describe this rare phenomenon. Like a regular new moon, the black moon will be invisible from Earth, but what makes it rare is that it is occurring twice in one month. Here’s all you need to know about it. December Cold Moon 2024: When Is the Best Time to View It? Margashirsha Purnima Time, Significance, Full Moon Alignment With Jupiter & Other Details to Know.

    People across the globe are confusing the December 2024 new moon with a solar eclipse. However, the phenomena are not the same. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun, which will take place during this new moon.

    Black Moon 2024 Date

    The rare phenomenon will take place in the Americas on December 30. In Asia, Africa, and Europe, it will take place on December 31.

    Black Moon 2024 Timing

    As confirmed by the US Naval Observatory, the black moon will occur on December 30 at 05:27 PM ET, which is 03:57 AM IST on December 31.

    Though this event is rare, it will not be visible in the sky. Like every new moon, the black moon also happens when the moon is between the Earth and the sun. The sunlit side of the moon faces away from Earth, making it hard to see. Geminid Meteor Shower 2024 Date and Time: Will It Be Visible in India? How to Watch the Dazzling Shooting Stars? Complete Details of the Celestial Spectacle Explained.

    In the new year 2025, two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses will occur, of which only one lunar eclipse will be visible in India. Like all new moon’s, the black moon on December 30 won’t be visible to the naked eye. However, since there will be a lack of moonlight, the sky will be darker, creating the perfect conditions to view the night sky. It will be a great time to see distant stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other wonders of the sky.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 11:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).