Nature India | Indigenus

Satellite faith

Indian Space Research Organisation has released some beautiful pictures taken from the Cartosat, its hi-tech mapping satellite.

The CARTOSAT-2B satellite, launched by PSLV-C15 on July 12, 2010, sent in these high quality pictures, some of which are generating a lot of interest among the religious minded. One among them is a lovely picture of the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati in Allahabad, which is a pilgrimage site for people from far and wide. Another picture shows the architectural wonder Meenakshi Temple in Maduari standing tall with a prominent shadow.

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The Sangam in Allahabad.

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Part of Madurai showing the Meenakshi temple.

We all have been witness to the religious side of our space scientists. We know there’s a tradition of the ISRO top brass visiting temples before a satellite launch to pray for its succeful take-off and landing. So it was nice to see them proudly exhibit their religious bent again. I have always found this an amusing mix, this blend of high end science and deep-rooted faith in god. Some time back, an interesting survey had pulled out some such deep secrets of the Indian scientists’ mind.

Some things are perhaps best left unexplained by high end science.

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