Space Beneath Our Feet: How VEDAS is Changing Astronomy on Earth

“Astronomy compels the soul to look upward and leads us from this world to another.” – Plato

 

Space Isn’t Just Above Us Anymore

I love my telescope, the stars, the planets, and everything in space. But recently, I’ve started pointing my curiosity downward — toward the Earth. And believe me, space is just as exciting when you look below.

Let me tell you about VEDAS, a very cool platform made by ISRO, India’s space agency. Its full name sounds big: Visualisation of Earth Observation Data and Archival System. But don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple.

Why should you care, especially if you're into astronomy or space science?

Because VEDAS shows how space satellites can help with things like farming, weather, and even protecting our planet. It’s a new kind of astronomy — one that connects the sky and the soil.

 

What Is VEDAS?

VEDAS is an online platform. It’s totally free. It shows maps and pictures taken by Earth observation satellites — these are satellites in space, but instead of looking at the stars, they look down at us.

What can they see?

• How green the land is (this is called NDVI)
• If crops are healthy or not (called VCI)
• How much rain fell in an area
• The temperature of the land surface
• If a drought might be coming
• What crops are growing where

From high up in space, these satellites are watching over our planet, helping us protect plants, water, soil, and food.

 

How Do Satellites Collect This Data?

Satellites are full of special sensors. These sensors work like scientific eyes. They look at Earth in many ways:

• Infrared sensors check how warm or cold the ground is
• Optical sensors see how green or dry plants are
• Thermal sensors detect heat

The data they collect comes back to Earth. Then it is cleaned, sorted, and shown on platforms like VEDAS.

So instead of using our telescope to see Jupiter, we are using data telescopes to look at how crops are growing.

 

But It’s Not Always Easy…

Even though VEDAS is free, it’s still hard for farmers and small businesses to use.

Why?

• It looks too technical
• It uses words like NDVI or LST that most people don’t know
• There’s no easy guide to help someone decide what action to take
• There is no mobile version or farmer-friendly app

It’s like having the best telescope but no one to explain the stars.

 

A New Job for New-Age Astronomers

You may think an astronomer only studies stars and black holes. But today, we can use space science for helping Earth too.

Imagine these new careers:

• A space data expert who helps with farming
• A crop health reader who watches fields from orbit
• A climate watcher who warns about heatwaves and droughts
• A tech helper who brings space tools to villages

These jobs mix astronomy, Earth science, and technology. They are not just for rocket scientists. They are for curious young minds like yours.

 

VEDAS + Other Smart Platforms

Want to know something exciting? VEDAS is just one tool. There are others too, working with space data:

• SatSure – uses satellite + AI to help banks and crop insurance
• CropIn – helps farmers and food companies see their crops from space
• Skymet – gives weather and farming advice using satellite views
• Pixxel – launches super-smart satellites that see crop stress before humans can

These companies are always looking for young talent — people who understand space and want to make a difference.

 

What Can You Do as a Student or Amateur Astronomer?

If you're reading this, you probably love space. Great. Now, here’s how you can start exploring this side of astronomy too:

1. Learn to read NDVI/VCI maps. YouTube has easy videos
2. Try VEDAS online. Just type “VEDAS ISRO” on Google
3. Explore NASA’s WorldView – also free and fun
4. Join a remote sensing or GIS course. ISRO’s IIRS has free classes
5. Try to explain satellite data to your friends or family
6. Start a blog or Instagram page called “Space Meets Soil”

Even simple steps matter. Today’s small project can become tomorrow’s big change.

 

Why This Matters for India (and the World)

India is a big farming country. A lot of people depend on crops, rain, and soil for their income and food.

But:

• Climate is changing
• Rainfall is not regular
• Droughts and heatwaves are more common

With tools like VEDAS, we can see problems early and make smarter choices.

• Move crops from dry areas to better ones
• Save water with better planning
• Help farmers know when and what to grow
• Protect food supply chains

And guess what? You don’t need to be a scientist at ISRO to help. Even students and bloggers can play a role.

 

The New Role of Astronomers

In the past, astronomers helped us learn about stars, planets, and galaxies. That work will always be important.

But now, we have a new job:

To use space tools to protect Earth.

• To turn data into action
• To help farmers grow better food
• To use satellites for good
• To build tools that bring science to the soil

This is not science fiction. This is happening now. And you can be part of it.

 

Final Message: From Sky to Soil

I love looking at the Moon and dreaming about Mars. But I also love seeing how satellites can help a farmer in Maharashtra or a student in Bihar.

Let’s not choose between looking up and looking down. Let’s do both. Let’s be astronomers who care about our Earth — the only home we know.

Because the sky is not the limit. It’s just the beginning.

 

About the Author

 

This blog was composed by Bhanu Srivastava an amateur astronomer based in Pune India. Bhanu has a deep interest in exploring quantum biology and the many open questions in astronomy. He is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge about the universe with others.

Bhanu also runs a LinkedIn group dedicated to discussions on astronomy. If you're interested you can join the group here: 

A Professional dreamer with a telescope with some Cosmic Conundrums to talk about