NASA astronaut recalls awe-inspiring view of Mumbai and Delhi’s night lights from area: ‘India looks magical’ |

The mesmerising view of India from area has left astronauts in awe for many years. Among them, Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and pioneer in sharing area experiences on-line, holds a particular reference to India. In a current podcast hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia, Massimino recalled how India’s panorama, particularly Mumbai and New Delhi at night, appeared breathtaking from orbit. He shared how brightly lit cities create beautiful visible patterns, virtually like jewels unfold throughout the Earth’s darkish floor. His experiences reveal not simply how area presents a distinct perspective on Earth’s magnificence but additionally the way it can encourage private connections to international locations even earlier than stepping foot there.

NASA astronaut Massimino recalls first glimpse of India’s magnificence from area

Massimino described his first encounter with India’s magnificence whereas orbiting lots of of kilometers above Earth.

Massimino defined that night views of Earth from area are among the many most unforgettable experiences for astronauts. From orbit, the absence of atmospheric air pollution presents an unobstructed cosmic view, making stars seem brighter and the sky infinitely deeper than seen from Earth. Below, the planet transforms into a panoramic canvas the place darkish landscapes are punctuated by glowing metropolis lights, creating a surprising distinction. Major city hubs like Mumbai and Delhi stand out vividly, their shiny illumination signaling the sheer scale and inhabitants density of these areas. Massimino even in contrast India’s distinctive mild patterns to New York City, highlighting how human exercise and improvement are seen and comparable throughout continents. Describing the scene as “cool and magical,” he stated it provides astronauts a profound sense of connection to humanity as a complete.

Massimino’s journey: Turning an area view right into a real-life reference to India

Massimino’s admiration didn’t cease at orbital views. After retiring, he visited India and discovered that the colourful vitality he noticed from area translated to its tradition, structure, and individuals.

Mike Massimino’s area profession

Mike Massimino’s journey to changing into a NASA astronaut is each inspiring and historic. Born in Franklin Square, New York, he earned a bachelor’s diploma from Columbia University earlier than pursuing 4 superior levels, together with a PhD, on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996, he went on to fly two Space Shuttle missions—STS‑109 (2002) and STS‑125 (2009)—logging 571 hours and 47 minutes in area and performing 30 hours and 4 minutes of spacewalking. Massimino additionally made historical past as the primary astronaut to tweet from area, giving the world real-time glimpses of life past Earth. After retiring in 2014, he devoted himself to public outreach, sharing tales that encourage individuals to worth Earth’s magnificence and fragility.

What makes India’s night view uniquely recognisable from orbit

India’s night view is distinct on account of its geographical and socio-economic components:Densely populated cities: Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata have extraordinarily dense populations, leading to a vibrant illumination seen from orbit.Economic hubs: Industrial belts and IT hubs create concentrated mild patterns, representing India’s rising international financial affect.Cultural geography: Unlike many international locations the place illumination is evenly unfold, India’s combine of bustling cities and huge rural stretches provides it a singular mild signature, simply recognisable from area.Also Read | Asteroid 2024 YR4 might hit the Moon in 2032 inflicting uncommon meteor showers seen from Earth and threat for satellites