Entertainment

US-Indian satellite to monitor frozen surfaces in Earth’s ice and snow-covered environments

Published

9 months ago

January 11, 2024

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Washington, DC [US], January 11 (ANI): NISAR, the radar satellite, set to be launched this year in joint collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will measure some key Earth vital signs, including the health of wetlands, ground deformation by volcanoes, and the dynamics of land and sea ice.

It will measure the health of wetlands from ground deformation by volcanoes to the dynamics of land and sea ice,” NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said in a press release.

This will help researchers decipher how small-scale processes can cause monumental changes in the ice sheets covering Antarctica and Greenland, as well as on mountain glaciers and sea ice around the world.

“Short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, NISAR will provide the most comprehensive picture to date of motion and deformation of frozen surfaces in Earth’s ice- and snow-covered environments, collectively known as the cryosphere,” the release said.

The target launch readiness date is January 2024, according to ISRO.

Alex Gardner, a glaciologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California said, “Our planet has the thermostat set on high, and Earth’s ice is responding by speeding up its motion and melting faster.””We need to better understand the processes at play, and NISAR will provide measurements to do that,” he added.

Set to be launched in 2024 by ISRO from southern India, NISAR will observe nearly all the planet’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, according to NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory press release.

The satellite’s insights into Earth’s cryosphere will come from the combined use of two radars: an L-band system with a 10-inch (25-centimeter) wavelength and an S-band system with a 4-inch (10-centimeter) wavelength.

NISAR’s orientation in orbit will enable it to collect data from Antarctica’s far interior, close to the South Pole. Antarctica’s ice sheets hold the planet’s largest reservoir of frozen fresh water, and the rate at which it may lose ice represents the greatest uncertainty in sea level rise projections, according to NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

According to the press release, NISAR’s increased coverage will be crucial for studying the motion of ice flowing down from central Antarctica’s high elevations towards the sea. The measurements will also enable scientists to closely study what happens where ice and ocean meet.

Both Antartica and Greenland have ice shelves–masses of ice that extend from land and float on the ocean that are thinning and crumbling as icebergs break off. Ice shelves help keep glacial ice on the land from slipping into the ocean. If they are diminished, glaciers can flow and calve faster.

Ice losses on both Antarctica and Greenland have accelerated since the 1990s, and there’s uncertainty about how quickly each will continue to recede. NISAR will improve horizontal and vertical views of these changes.

“NISAR will give us a consistent time-lapse movie of that motion, so we can understand how and why it’s changing and better predict how it will change into the future,” said Ian Joughin, a glaciologist at the University of Washington in Seattle and the NISAR cryosphere lead.

The satellite will also track changes in Earth’s mountain glaciers. In the Himalayas, NISAR’s all-weather capability will help researchers monitor how much water is stored in glacial lakes, which is essential to analysing the risk of catastrophic floods.

Sushil Kumar Singh, a glaciologist at the ISRO Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, said, “The beauty and the difficulty of the Himalayas are the clouds.” “With NISAR we will be able to get a more continuous and complete data set that would not be possible with instruments that use visible light.”NISAR will also capture the movement and extent of sea ice in both hemispheres. Sea ice insulates the ocean from the air, reducing evaporation and heat loss to the atmosphere. It also reflects sunlight, keeping the planet cool through the albedo effect.

As rising water and air temperatures have increased melting, Arctic sea ice has been diminishing. With more of its surface exposed to sunlight, the Arctic Ocean gains and holds more heat in summer and takes longer to cool. This means less ice formation in winter and faster melting the next summer, according to JPL sea-ice scientist Ben Holt.

With greater coverage of the Southern Ocean than any radar mission to date, NISAR will open new insights around Antarctica, where sea ice had mostly been more stable until the past few years. It reached a record low in 2023.

According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory press release, NISAR is an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO and marks the first time the two agencies have cooperated on hardware development for an Earth-observing mission.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads the US component of the project and is providing the mission’s L-band SAR, according to the press release. NASA is also providing the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.

Meanwhile, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, leads the ISRO component of the mission, is providing the spacecraft bus, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services and satellite mission operations. ISRO’s Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad is providing the S-band SAR electronics. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Entertainment

Dubai is ready to dazzle with Diwali 2024 celebrations

Published

13 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Lekha Menon

Dubai is known for its multicultural spirit and vibrant festivities. Especially for the Indian community, it’s truly a home away from home as there are so many elements that bring the flavour and essence of India in Dubai. The celebrations of Diwali definitely top the list with the government going all out to ensure the city lights up with fun and festivities during this period!

This year, the Festival of Lights, a celebration organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a part of Dubai Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, promises a spectacular celebration with a plethora of events for residents and tourists alike.

Here’s What You Can Look Forward To:

1. Spectacular Fireworks Displays

Diwali wouldn’t be complete without fireworks, and this year, Dubai is set to outdo itself. The sky will light up at:

• Al Seef on October 25 at 9:00 PM

• Global Village on October 25-26 and November 1-2

These mesmerising displays will mark the beginning of the festivities and offer families and friends the perfect excuse to come together under the night sky.

2. Noor – Festival of Lights at Al Seef

This one is not to be missed. Noor – Festival of Lights, taking place at Al Seef from October 25-27 is a cultural extravaganza, produced by TeamWork Arts and it will feature:

• Artistic expressions and stunning light displays

• Theatre shows, poetry recitations, and puppet processions

• Live musical performances and stand-up comedy acts

• Indian delicacies and vibrant outdoor markets

Visitors can wander through Al Seef’s traditional souk and 1.8-kilometre promenade, beautifully decorated for the season.

3. Romesh Ranganathan’s Stand-Up Show

Comedy fans are in for a treat with the return of UK comedian Romesh Ranganathan to Dubai. Known for his witty observational humour, Romesh will perform a brand-new show at the Coca-Cola Arena on October 25, offering a night of laughter and entertainment.

4. The Unforgettables – A Tribute to Jagjit Singh

Music lovers can indulge in a soulful experience with The Unforgettables, a tribute to the late Indian music legend Jagjit Singh. Hosted at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on October 26, the concert features Tauseef Akhtar, a disciple of Singh, who will perform some of the maestro’s greatest hits.

5. Deepavali Utsav 2024

Scheduled for October 26 at the Etisalat Academy, this event offers an evening filled with traditional Indian games, folk dances from across India, and a lively funfair. Visitors can also savour a wide array of Indian delicacies from various food stalls, creating a rich festive atmosphere for families.

6. Meera: Echoes of Love

Combining dance, theatre, and music, this captivating performance on October 26 at Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park, will celebrate the strength of women and the timeless theme of love and devotion. Featuring 70 local artists, Meera: Echoes of Love promises to be an emotional and visually stunning event.

7. Shopping Extravaganza and Gold Offers

Diwali is synonymous with shopping, and Dubai’s retail scene is pulling out all the stops. From glittering gold offers to incredible retail promotions, shoppers are in for a treat with:

• Up to 50% off on jewellery and free gold coins with purchases at select stores like Damas

• The chance to win AED 150,000 in gift vouchers with Dubai Jewellery Group

• Lulu Hypermarket offering discounts on Diwali essentials, ethnic wear, and home décor items, along with a special Diwali Mela featuring Tamil film stars and festive events from October 24 to November 2

Major malls, including City Centre Deira and BurJuman Mall, will also be running special promotions where shoppers can win prizes such as half a kilo of gold and glittering home makeovers.

8. Diwali Markets at Global Village

From October 28 to November 3, Global Village will host a vibrant Diwali market at the Indian Pavilion, featuring traditional Rangoli art, live performances, and plenty of shopping opportunities. The market will also spotlight India’s finest street food, making it a foodie’s paradise.

9. Foodie Delights

Diwali in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without indulging in authentic Indian flavours. Restaurants across the city will be serving up exclusive Diwali menus, including:

• Punjab Grill, a Michelin Guide Select restaurant, offering a festive menu from October 25 to November 7

• Chutney’s at Movenpick Hotel, Bur Dubai, hosting a Diwali set menu from October 31 to November 3, complete with a rangoli competition and live entertainment

• iZ at Grand Hyatt Dubai, serving a three-course Diwali set menu from October 31 to November 2

A Festival for Everyone

With its diverse programming, Dubai’s Diwali 2024 aims to cater to all ages and interests, making it a festival for everyone. Whether it’s the thrill of fireworks, the joy of discovering hidden gems at a Diwali market, or the sheer pleasure of indulging in traditional delicacies, Diwali in Dubai promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Announcements

Yas Waterworld unveils UAE’s tallest waterslide and 18 New attractions

Published

6 days ago

October 11, 2024

Staff Reporter

Prepare for an epic splash! Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi is in the processing of upgrading their water park thrills with the addition of the UAE’s highest waterslide and 18 brand-new rides. Adventure seekers and families alike can look forward to an enhanced experience as the park undergoes a massive 16,900-square-meter expansion. The new section, expected to open in 2025, will feature 18 exhilarating attractions, bringing the total number of rides and experiences at Yas Waterworld to over 70.

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More than 55% of the construction is already complete, and one of the most anticipated highlights is the all-new waterslide complex. Designed to accommodate 20 riders simultaneously, the complex boasts:

-The UAE’s highest slide-

-A pioneering water-based amusement ride

-A heart-pounding 15-meter drop

In addition to these high-adrenaline rides, Yas Waterworld will introduce “The Legend of the Lost Village,” an exciting continuation of its famed “Legend of the Lost Pearl,” a story steeped in the UAE’s rich pearl-diving heritage. The expansion will also feature 8 new pools and a variety of food and beverage outlets, perfect for a day of aquatic adventure and relaxation. For younger thrill-seekers, the new additions include mini versions of fan-favorite rides like Dawwama Junior and Sebag, allowing kids to join in on the fun with safe, scaled-down versions of iconic attractions.

Entertainment

Animenia ready to take over Abu Dhabi

Published

3 weeks ago

September 28, 2024

Staff Reporter

The groundbreaking anime festival like no other is coming to Abu Dhabi, October 23rd to 27th, 2024, at the prestigious Manarat AI Saadiyat. Animenia, an anime festival that redefines anime expos, missing this festival is not an option.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAXtB3By5Oh/?igsh=MTlieHUzdHEzZm1hcA%3D%3D

This festival will bring anime to life for you in a memorable way. You won’t just be watching anime—you’ll be living it. Fans will have the chance to fully dive into the enchanting realms of beloved anime, featuring popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, Naruto, Sanrio, and beyond. Animenia will host the largest cosplay competition ever held in the region, featuring an extraordinary prize pool that surpasses AED 400,000. From experienced cosplayers to those just starting their journey, to display their imaginative creations, this is an incredible opportunity for both. Participants will also get the privilege of presenting their work in front of esteemed international cosplay stars such as Yuegene Fay, Rian CYD, and SabCosplay, who will be judging the event. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain recognition and win amazing prizes. Fans can expect some of the most revered figures in the anime industry. Highlights of the guest list include the legendary Yutaka Abe, celebrated for his work on Detective Conan, and Ryo Horikawa, the iconic voice of Vegeta from Dragon Ball because Animenia promises to be a celebration of talent and creativity followed by jaw-dropping concerts with anime music icons like Rasha Rizk, Yoko Takahashi and many more. You’ll also uncover an exhilarating array of regional and global brands, offering must-have anime gear, exciting collectibles, and stylish anime streetwear. Animenia offers something for everyone.

This incredible festival unfolds over five days, starting October 23rd. Time is running out! Celebrate one of the biggest anime events by securing your tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime anime adventure before they’re gone.

Check out animeniaabudhabi.com or ticketmaster.ae to grab your festival day pass for just Dh65. For the hardcore fans, limited 5-Day festival passes are available for Dh425.