July 28, 2026
‘Ramayana’: Fans celebrate 1 year of film announcement amid buzz about TRAILER LAUNCH; Ranbir Kapoor, Yash rumoured to attend grand event

‘Ramayana’: Fans celebrate 1 year of film announcement amid buzz about TRAILER LAUNCH; Ranbir Kapoor, Yash rumoured to attend grand event

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

It has already been a year since Namit Malhotra dropped the grand announcement for the ambitious Nitesh Tiwari-directed epic, ‘Ramayana’ and fans are already taking to social media to celebrate.Amid buzz about a new trailer launch set for a release this month, netizens took to their handles to share their appreciation and excitement about the…

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BENGALURU: Artificial Intelligence has helped scientists unlock a century of the Sun’s history by analysing hand-drawn observations from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, turning fragile paper records into a valuable digital archive that could improve understanding of long-term solar activity and future space weather.In a study published in The Astrophysical Journal, researchers led by Dibya Kirti Mishra of the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (Aries) along with the collaborators from Isro’s Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, USA and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), used machine learning to analyse daily solar drawings made at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) between 1916 and 2007.The work demonstrates how historical observations, once considered difficult to analyse systematically, can now be transformed into reliable scientific data. Aries and IIA are autonomous institutes of the department of science and technology (DST).For more than a century, scientists have studied the Sun’s magnetic activity, which waxes and wanes in roughly 11-year cycles. These cycles drive sunspots, solar flares and eruptions that can interfere with satellites, navigation systems, radio communications and power grids on Earth. While modern telescopes provide precise digital observations, records from earlier decades are often incomplete or inconsistent, making it difficult to understand how the Sun has behaved over long periods.KoSO, one of the world’s oldest solar observatories, has maintained an exceptional archive of daily “suncharts” from 1904 to 2022. “Before digital imaging became commonplace, astronomers carefully sketched features such as sunspots, plages, filaments and prominences onto standard grids. Although scientifically valuable, differences in drawing styles, ageing paper and varying scan quality have made these records challenging to analyse using conventional methods,” DST said.To overcome these hurdles, researchers employed a supervised machine learning model known as “U-Net”. The system first identified the Sun’s disc in each scanned drawing, accurately determining its centre, size and orientation. It then detected and mapped bright magnetic regions known as plages across nine solar cycles spanning 1916 to 2007.Plages are bright patches in the Sun’s atmosphere associated with strong magnetic fields. Because they closely reflect the Sun’s magnetic activity, scientists regard them as one of the most reliable indicators of long-term changes. Extracting them from historical records helps bridge the gap between early observations and the continuous measurements available in the space age.The AI-generated data allowed the team to construct a classic “butterfly diagram”, which shows how solar activity migrates from higher latitudes towards the equator during each solar cycle. “They also found that the plage areas identified from the drawings closely matched measurements obtained from KoSO’s Ca II K full-disc images, confirming that the century-old sketches provide dependable scientific information,” DST said.Researchers say such long-term records are essential for comparing the strength and structure of different solar cycles, reconstructing past changes in the Sun’s magnetic influence and improving models of long-term space weather.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library RowMission Aagaman Explained: How Vikram-1 Could Make Indian Space History60-Year-Old Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, 4 BMC Officials SuspendedIndian Navy’s INS Trikand Thwarts Piracy Attempt On India-Bound Vessel In Gulf Of AdenWest Bengal Passes Tough Public Order Laws: What The Recovery And Preventive Detention Bills MeanJapan PM Takaichi In India: Top 10 Items On The Agenda As She Meets PM Modi54 Years of the Shimla Agreement: Why India Says Pakistan Violated the Spirit of the PactChina’s Proposed Bangladesh Corridor Could Open A New Strategic Route Into The Indian Ocean123PhotostoriesOnce part of poor people’s diet, these 10 foods are now luxury health staples8 things fathers do that children remember for lifeSpiritual house names that bring a sense of peace, positivity, and purpose60-second money lesson: The work lunch habit that’s costing you ₹20,000 a year (and how to fix that)Caffeine to keratin: The most searched hair growth ingredients with expert approval8 most popular North Indian breakfasts and their calorie count: Why they’re so lovedPsychology says inconsistent parenting can affect children more than strict parenting: Here’s whyAnne Hathaway just made maternity fashion look like an old Hollywood fairytale in a strapless gownShoaib Ibrahim’s father gets discharged from hospital after 37 days; Dipika Kakar gets emotional before second infusion5 most effective ways to make money through social media in 2026123Hot PicksTrump tariffsNHL TradeEPF Scheme 2026NFL TradeIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainNovak DjokovicMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warBy-election datesConnor McDavidManish TewariLando Norris

BENGALURU: Artificial Intelligence has helped scientists unlock a century of the Sun’s history by analysing hand-drawn observations from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, turning fragile paper records into a valuable digital archive that could improve understanding of long-term solar activity and future space weather.In a study published in The Astrophysical Journal, researchers led by Dibya Kirti Mishra of the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (Aries) along with the collaborators from Isro’s Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, USA and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), used machine learning to analyse daily solar drawings made at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) between 1916 and 2007.The work demonstrates how historical observations, once considered difficult to analyse systematically, can now be transformed into reliable scientific data. Aries and IIA are autonomous institutes of the department of science and technology (DST).For more than a century, scientists have studied the Sun’s magnetic activity, which waxes and wanes in roughly 11-year cycles. These cycles drive sunspots, solar flares and eruptions that can interfere with satellites, navigation systems, radio communications and power grids on Earth. While modern telescopes provide precise digital observations, records from earlier decades are often incomplete or inconsistent, making it difficult to understand how the Sun has behaved over long periods.KoSO, one of the world’s oldest solar observatories, has maintained an exceptional archive of daily “suncharts” from 1904 to 2022. “Before digital imaging became commonplace, astronomers carefully sketched features such as sunspots, plages, filaments and prominences onto standard grids. Although scientifically valuable, differences in drawing styles, ageing paper and varying scan quality have made these records challenging to analyse using conventional methods,” DST said.To overcome these hurdles, researchers employed a supervised machine learning model known as “U-Net”. The system first identified the Sun’s disc in each scanned drawing, accurately determining its centre, size and orientation. It then detected and mapped bright magnetic regions known as plages across nine solar cycles spanning 1916 to 2007.Plages are bright patches in the Sun’s atmosphere associated with strong magnetic fields. Because they closely reflect the Sun’s magnetic activity, scientists regard them as one of the most reliable indicators of long-term changes. Extracting them from historical records helps bridge the gap between early observations and the continuous measurements available in the space age.The AI-generated data allowed the team to construct a classic “butterfly diagram”, which shows how solar activity migrates from higher latitudes towards the equator during each solar cycle. “They also found that the plage areas identified from the drawings closely matched measurements obtained from KoSO’s Ca II K full-disc images, confirming that the century-old sketches provide dependable scientific information,” DST said.Researchers say such long-term records are essential for comparing the strength and structure of different solar cycles, reconstructing past changes in the Sun’s magnetic influence and improving models of long-term space weather.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library RowMission Aagaman Explained: How Vikram-1 Could Make Indian Space History60-Year-Old Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, 4 BMC Officials SuspendedIndian Navy’s INS Trikand Thwarts Piracy Attempt On India-Bound Vessel In Gulf Of AdenWest Bengal Passes Tough Public Order Laws: What The Recovery And Preventive Detention Bills MeanJapan PM Takaichi In India: Top 10 Items On The Agenda As She Meets PM Modi54 Years of the Shimla Agreement: Why India Says Pakistan Violated the Spirit of the PactChina’s Proposed Bangladesh Corridor Could Open A New Strategic Route Into The Indian Ocean123PhotostoriesOnce part of poor people’s diet, these 10 foods are now luxury health staples8 things fathers do that children remember for lifeSpiritual house names that bring a sense of peace, positivity, and purpose60-second money lesson: The work lunch habit that’s costing you ₹20,000 a year (and how to fix that)Caffeine to keratin: The most searched hair growth ingredients with expert approval8 most popular North Indian breakfasts and their calorie count: Why they’re so lovedPsychology says inconsistent parenting can affect children more than strict parenting: Here’s whyAnne Hathaway just made maternity fashion look like an old Hollywood fairytale in a strapless gownShoaib Ibrahim’s father gets discharged from hospital after 37 days; Dipika Kakar gets emotional before second infusion5 most effective ways to make money through social media in 2026123Hot PicksTrump tariffsNHL TradeEPF Scheme 2026NFL TradeIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainNovak DjokovicMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warBy-election datesConnor McDavidManish TewariLando Norris

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

BENGALURU: Artificial Intelligence has helped scientists unlock a century of the Sun’s history by analysing hand-drawn observations from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, turning fragile paper records into a valuable digital archive that could improve understanding of long-term solar activity and future space weather.In a study published in The Astrophysical Journal, researchers led by Dibya Kirti…

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Jul 03, 2026, 09:50 IST

Jul 03, 2026, 09:50 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Croatia’s Igor Matanovic (20) reacts (AP Photo/Sam Balkansky) NEW DELHI: Croatia’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, a decision that ultimately proved decisive in their heartbreaking exit from the tournament.The controversy unfolded in the 103rd minute of the Round of 32 clash…

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Gold, Silver Rate Today Live Updates: Gold eyes first weekly gain in five weeks, Silver advances on weaker dollar

Gold, Silver Rate Today Live Updates: Gold eyes first weekly gain in five weeks, Silver advances on weaker dollar

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

The State Bank of Vietnam set the USD/VND mid-point at 25,203 on July 3. Interbank rates were quoted at 26,295/26,300, while unofficial market rates stood at 26,442/26,562. State-owned Saigon Jewelry Co. (SJC) quoted gold prices at 148.4 million/151.4 million dong per tael. The central bank allows the dong to trade within a ±5 per cent…

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Million Charity Donation Ahead of Wedding |

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s $26 Million Charity Donation Ahead of Wedding |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The couple pledged millions to food banks, children’s hospitals, educational initiatives and animal welfare organizations across the country.Image credit (Instagram) Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have announced a major charitable donation of $26 million to at least 20 organizations across the United States this week. The timing of the contributions comes ahead of a wedding…

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Jul 03, 2026, 09:15 IST

Jul 03, 2026, 09:15 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (AP Photo) Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has delivered an emotional message of unity ahead of the biggest match in his country’s football history, urging the island nation to stand together as the FIFA World Cup debutants prepare to face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.The Blue Sharks have already…

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‘Jana Nayagan’ release date: Vijay’s film caught between CBFC’s conditions and OTT platform’s release deadline

‘Jana Nayagan’ release date: Vijay’s film caught between CBFC’s conditions and OTT platform’s release deadline

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The release of Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’ has entered another crucial stage following the latest updates on its censor certification and theatrical release plans. The much-awaited film has been in the spotlight for months due to delays. Latest reports suggest the makers are now juggling multiple demands before locking the final release date. The movie’s…

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‘We did something nobody knew’: Trump details secret US operations near Strait of Hormuz

‘We did something nobody knew’: Trump details secret US operations near Strait of Hormuz

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said American forces had systematically destroyed Iran’s radar infrastructure, forcing Tehran to repeatedly rebuild its systems.Speaking to CNBC’s Business Day, Trump elaborated on the stealth operations carried out by the US Central Command (Centcom) and said, “We did something nobody knew. Every night, we were taking ships out through…

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Who is the quickest at FIFA World Cup? Jordan Bos tops speed charts ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland | Football News

Who is the quickest at FIFA World Cup? Jordan Bos tops speed charts ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland | Football News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Australia’s Jordan Bos (5) (AP Photo) Australia’s Jordan Bos has emerged as one of the surprise stars of the FIFA World Cup, with the flying full-back not only helping the Socceroos reach the knockout stage but also outpacing some of football’s biggest speedsters, including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.The 23-year-old will once again be in…

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Fuel-hit Russia bought gasoline produced by India’s Nayara Energy via traders: Report

Fuel-hit Russia bought gasoline produced by India’s Nayara Energy via traders: Report

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Russia bought gasoline produced by Nayara Energy through international traders (Representative image) Russia reportedly bought gasoline produced by Nayara Energy through international traders as it deals with fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian attacks on its energy infrastructure.The identity of the supplier comes a day after Reuters reported that Russia had started importing gasoline from India…

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Jodie Foster claims Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ felt AI-generated: “The structure was exactly what you’d learn in school”

Jodie Foster claims Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ felt AI-generated: “The structure was exactly what you’d learn in school”

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The actress praised the film’s technical achievements while questioning whether its storytelling felt overly algorithmic.Image credit (X) Jodie Foster has suggested that Brad Pitt’s racing film ‘F1’ exemplifies how artificial intelligence may be influencing modern filmmaking and reshaping creative storytelling in Hollywood. The actress made the comments during a panel discussion at the Aspen Festival…

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Updated: Jul 03, 2026, 08:57 IST

Updated: Jul 03, 2026, 08:57 IST

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Pratitee Bordoloi becomes India’s lone medallist at World Youth Chess NEW DELHI: Last week, 13-year-old Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Pratitee Bordoloi created history for India in Montesilvano, Italy. Competing at the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2026, the Bengaluru-based youngster clinched the silver medal in the Girls Under-18 category.Entering as the 16th seed with a…

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‘Gatta Kusthi 2’ Twitter Review: Fans call Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi’s film a complete family entertainer

‘Gatta Kusthi 2’ Twitter Review: Fans call Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi’s film a complete family entertainer

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Vishnu Vishal’s ‘Gatta Kusthi 2’ has been released in theatres and has been receiving positive feedback from the audiences. After the success of the first film, expectations were high for the sequel, and initial reactions on X (formerly Twitter) suggest it has lived up to the hype for many viewers. Fans have lauded the film’s…

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