Planets Criteria It is in orbit around the Sun It has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and It has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit. … Continue reading →

Basics of Sun Age – 4.6 billion years Diameter – 1.39 million km Temperature –  6000 °C on the surface The surface gravity of the Sun is 274 m/s2 Period of rotation – 25 days 9 hrs. Rotation – counterclockwise … Continue reading →

A pole star is a star or a star system situated in the direction of the earth’s axis.  At present, Polaris or North Star (a system of 3 stars) is the earth’s pole star. It is visible only from the … Continue reading →

What is it? The stars forming a group that has a recognisable shape is called a constellation. Types of Constellations Ursa Major It is also known as the Great Bear or Saptarishi.  It consists of seven bright stars, which appear … Continue reading →

Life Cycle of Star Associated Terms Nebula A cloud of gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) and dust in space. Nebulae are the birthplaces of stars. T Tauri Star A young star still undergoing gravitational contraction. It represents an intermediate stage … Continue reading →

Why in the news?  India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) What is it?: The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an … Continue reading →

Why in the news? India Successfully test fired Agni-5 missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. Agni – 5 Missile What is it?: Agni-5 is an Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). … Continue reading →

Why in the news? U.S. expands sanctions on officials of International Criminal Court. International Criminal Court (ICC) What is it?: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organisation and international tribunal. Formation It is the first international criminal court … Continue reading →

Why in the news? Scientists in the U.S. are setting up a new experimental design that could let scientists test ideas at the intersection of quantum theory and general relativity. Quantum Mechanics What is it?: It is the branch of … Continue reading →

Why in the news? ISA chief announced that by the end of the year, the  International Solar Alliance (ISA) will set up 17  centers of excellence in as  many countries, and going  ahead, establish a Global  Capability Centre (GCC) in  … Continue reading →