Innovative astronomers have recently unveiled the discovery of an unexpected exoplanet – known as NGTS-4b or ‘The Forbidden Planet’, situated in an area deemed the Neptunian Desert. This rogue planet, smaller than Neptune but three times the size of Earth, impressively possesses its own atmosphere.
In terms of its physical properties, NGTS-4b has a mass 20 times that of Earth and a radius 20 per cent smaller than that of Neptune. An extreme temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius is exhibited by the Forbidden Planet. Unusually, it encircles its star in a mere 1.3 days, a significant contrast to Earth’s year-long orbit around the Sun.
NGTS-4b is notable for being the first exoplanet of its kind located in the Neptunian Desert; the region near stars which lacks Neptune-sized planets. This zone endures strong irradiation from any nearby star, leading to the evaporation of any planets’ gaseous atmospheres, leaving just a rocky core.
The Forbidden Planet is thought to have ventured into this inhospitable region within the past million years. Its large size and still evaporating atmosphere suggests this planet is continuing to withstand its harsh environment.
Exoplanets: Planets Beyond Our Solar System
Exoplanets are celestial bodies that orbit stars outside our solar system. However, their direct observation via telescopes proves extremely challenging, due largely to the bright glare of the stars they revolve around.
The Kalbelia Dance: A Unique Cultural Expression
The traditional dance of the Kalbelia community, known as the Kalbelia Dance, reflects the distinctive lifestyle of this tribe. Predominantly found in the Pali district, and also in Ajmer, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur district, the Kalbelia were formerly professional snake handlers. Today’s Kalbelia continue to celebrate their ancestral occupation through their music and dance.
The Tradition of Kalbelia Dance
Kalbelia dances recreate the sinuous movements of serpents, with women in flowing black skirts taking centre stage. Men provide musical accompaniment on instruments like the khanjari and the poongi – a woodwind instrument traditionally used to capture snakes.
| Key Facts about Kalbelia Dance |
|---|
| The dancers sport traditional tattoo designs |
| Richly embroidered garments are adorned with small mirrors and silver thread |
| Mythological knowledge is imparted through songs and dances |
| Songs are spontaneously composed during performances |
Wellbeing Budget: A New Approach by New Zealand
In a groundbreaking move, New Zealand has become the first country to introduce a “wellbeing” budget. This novel strategy includes factors like life expectancy, education levels, air quality and “a sense of belonging”.
Increased spending on mental health, indigenous welfare, and child poverty have been emphasized in the budget. Although several nations have adopted similar concepts, New Zealand’s effort is considered the first of its kind where wellbeing is at the heart of the government’s financial decisions.
This initiative follows Bhutan’s innovative step in the early 1970s when it decided to prioritize happiness over growth and introduced a Gross National Happiness Index in 2008.
