What is GAGAN?

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GAGAN stands for GPS aided geo-augmented navigation. It is a technology which the Airport Authority of India would use with the help of ISRO for the navigation of the planes. The technology will be assisted by GSAT10 which is launched on September 29, 2012.
For further details Check HERE (A Wikipedia Article).

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GSAT10 from Kourou

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GSAT10 has been launched on September 29, 2012 from Kourou at French Guiana in South America.
Check here the Hindu Report which is note of a kind.
Next Question:
What is GAGAN?

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IYA2009 Site for writing an Essay

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From Site of International Year of Astronomy as Declared by UN:

Everyone should realise the impact of astronomy and other fundamental sciences on our daily lives, and understand how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society. IYA2009 activities will take place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.

From the link given below, one can write a good write up on International Year of Astronomy. It is the official site of IYA as declared by UN and organized by UNESCO. Many of the Civil Services Magazines have already brought out similar essays. One may find the common points by following the page which has been selected below.


A High Priority Topic for Prelims as well Mains.
SUGGESTION: Pick Astronomy terms like Exoplanet, Light Year, Nebula etc. for special notes. Some of them may follow here also.

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Link to be used:
IYA2009 General | Astronomy 2009

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Photograph: Catherine Ceasersky the President of International Year of Astronomy 2009. Source: the site of IYA, the link given above.

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What is a Exoplanet?

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The following links as news report can be useful in making a note on this question.
The astronauts have recently been able photograph a star called Fomalhaut which is nearly 25 light years away having planets. The exoplanets or extrasolar planets are issue of interest because they may become the case of discovery of extra territerial life as the planets orbiting the other stars may also have life as it is here on the earth. It may be cause of proving theory of existence of aliens. (Fascinating!!!. I have doubt about including in the notes because it is highly based on theories. The only factor played in the favour of imaging of the distant plant in other star system by Hubble telescope after technological advancement in imaging.)

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BBC NEWS Science & Environment Exoplanets finally come into view

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http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Researchers_Capture_First_Photo_Of_An_Exoplanet_Orbiting_A_Star_29045.html

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http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/14/fomalhaut_b/

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Wikipeida Article on Extra Solar Planets with definition of Planet:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exoplanets

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