Raj Naik

Raj Naik

About Author

Raj is a space writer at Starlust, specializing in translating complex astronomical phenomena into clear, engaging narratives. With a foundation in science communication and a background in journalism, he applies a structured, research-driven approach to covering topics across astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and observational astronomy.
His work spans a range of subjects, from stellar evolution and galactic dynamics to orbital mechanics and skywatching event guides, grounded in current scientific research and peer-reviewed studies. Raj is particularly focused on making cutting-edge discoveries in space science accessible to general audiences, without compromising on technical accuracy.
Driven by a strong belief that science writing should both educate and provoke inquiry, he constructs each piece to not only explain what we know about the universe, but how we’ve come to know it, highlighting methods, instrumentation, and scientific reasoning behind the facts.

A look at NASA-ISRO’s billion-dollar 'first-of-its-kind satellite' NISAR in numbers

NISAR stands out as the first satellite to combine both L-band and S-band radar technologies on one platform.
Jul 31, 2025

Watch stunning transition video of planetary nebula NGC 6072 between Webb's NIRCam and MIRI images

Planetary nebulae, with their stunning and varied shapes, have been a source of immense fascination for astronomers.
Jul 31, 2025

NASA-ISRO's historic NISAR satellite lifts off to observe changes down to the centimeter on Earth's surface

An ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket propelled the NISAR satellite into orbit on Wednesday, lifting off at 8:10 a.m. EDT (5:40 p.m. IST).
Jul 31, 2025

Scientists successfully simulate extreme conditions of icy moons in deep space—stunned by unexpected results

Researchers used a specially constructed low-pressure chamber to simulate the near-vacuum-like conditions found on Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus.
Jul 30, 2025

NASA's Artemis campaign taps Firefly for $176 million mission to advance lunar exploration

Scheduled for a 2029 landing, this Artemis mission will see Firefly Aerospace deliver two advanced rovers and three scientific instruments to the lunar surface.
Jul 30, 2025

High-energy particles from space could be vital for life hidden beneath Mars and beyond, says new study

The research radically alters our understanding of where life could exist in the universe, broadening the search beyond environments warmed by sunlight or volcanic activity.
Jul 30, 2025

Scientists surprised to learn ghostly particles inside collapsing star may hold the key to black hole formation

Neutrinos, elementary particles with electron, muon and tau 'flavors' are notoriously difficult to investigate, primarily due to their incredibly weak interactions.
Jul 30, 2025

Hubble Telescope reveals ultra-diffuse galaxy F8D1 shut down star formation nearly two billion years ago

Compared to typical galaxies of similar scale, ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) stand out due to their reduced rates of current star formation.
Jul 29, 2025

NASA challenges stargazers to spot Hubble's favorite celestial sights in the August night sky

The challenge categorizes celestial objects by their estimated viewing difficulty, from easiest to hardest.
Jul 29, 2025

Scientist says heliostats could help detect asteroids at night: 'We can help find near-Earth objects'

John Sandusky, a scientist, is leading research into a new method for detecting near-Earth asteroids at night, repurposing heliostats typically used for solar energy.
Jul 29, 2025

Hubble beautifully captures explosive past of spiral galaxy NGC 1309, 100 million light-years away, in latest image

The new Hubble image showcases NGC 1309's distinct elements, from its vivid blue star-forming areas and dark dust lanes to its glowing galactic core.
Jul 29, 2025

Why stargazers are planning to watch the Perseid meteor shower before the August 12-13 peak

Known for producing up to 100 meteors per hour and dazzling fireballs, the Perseid meteor shower's highly anticipated peak on August 12-13 faces a significant challenge this year.
Jul 28, 2025

Europa Clipper en route to Jupiter captures stunning image of Mars with moons Phobos and Deimos

On February 28, 2025, the Clipper captured this image of Mars's heat signature while performing a crucial gravity-assist maneuver.
Jul 28, 2025

Sturgeon Moon 2025: When and how to watch the full moon in August

August 2025's full lunar display, recognized as the Sturgeon Moon, is slated to achieve its peak illumination on Saturday, August 9, at 07:54 UTC (3:54 a.m. ET).
Jul 28, 2025

Hear the sound of a dying star with the sonification of Crab Nebula's Pulsar heart

Scientists have transformed X-ray data from the Crab Nebula's rapidly spinning pulsar into an auditory experience.
Jul 28, 2025

New Skyfall mission plans revolutionary deployment of 6 scout helicopters on Mars

The Skyfall mission is engineered to unleash six independent helicopters, each capable of flying itself to the Martian surface.
Jul 27, 2025

Astronomers stumble upon enigmatic dead star blasting out unique radio emissions

Astronomers have categorized the new source, officially known as ILT J163430+445010, as a long-period transient (LPT), a kind of celestial object that broadcasts radio pulses with a much longer periodicity than conventional pulsars.
Jul 27, 2025

NASA confirms a plane-sized asteroid will pass Earth on July 28: 'If there were a threat...'

Thie asteroid measures an estimated 210 feet (roughly 64 meters), comparable to the length of a passenger jet.
Jul 26, 2025

Astronomers uncover complex organic molecules in young star's disk, hinting at cosmic origins of life

Astronomers used ALMA to detect 17 complex organic molecules in the disk of the active protostar V883 Orionis.
Jul 26, 2025

Webb Telescope illuminates hidden black holes feasting on stars in dusty cosmic corners

The JWST's powerful infrared capabilities allowed astronomers from MIT, Columbia University, and other institutions to see through thick cosmic dust, uncovering dramatic events long concealed.
Jul 25, 2025
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