IKON
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar was an Indian-American astrophysicist who, along with William A. Fowler, was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physics “for his theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of the stars.” His mathematical treatment of stellar evolution produced some of the most accurate theoretical models for the later stages of massive stars and black holes. The Chandrasekhar limit, a fundamental concept in astrophysics, is named in his honor.
Throughout his life, Chandrasekhar tackled a broad range of astrophysical challenges, significantly advancing the understanding of stellar structure, white dwarfs, stellar dynamics, radiative transfer, the quantum theory of the hydrogen anion, hydrodynamic and hydromagnetic stability, the equilibrium and stability of ellipsoidal figures of equilibrium, general relativity, the mathematical theory of black holes, and the theory of colliding gravitational waves. While at the University of Cambridge, he developed a theoretical model of white dwarf stars that incorporated the relativistic effects of mass variation with electron velocities in degenerate matter. His groundbreaking work demonstrated that the mass of a white dwarf cannot exceed 1.44 times that of the Sun—a value now known as the Chandrasekhar limit.
Chandrasekhar also refined models of stellar dynamics initially proposed by Jan Oort and others by factoring in the impact of fluctuating gravitational fields within the Milky Way on stars orbiting the galactic center. He solved this complex dynamical problem using a set of twenty partial differential equations that described a new concept he called “dynamical friction,” which both decelerates stars and helps stabilize star clusters. Chandrasekhar extended his analysis to the interstellar medium, revealing that clouds of galactic gas and dust are distributed in highly uneven patterns.
What is the job all about?
Astrophysics is a branch of space science that applies the principles of physics and chemistry to explain the birth, life, and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial objects. It closely intertwines with its sibling sciences, astronomy and cosmology, often blurring the lines between them. Astrophysicists strive to understand the universe and our place within it. The goals of astrophysics are “to discover how the universe works, explore how it began and evolved, and search for life on planets around other stars.”
Can I go for it?
Astrophysics is a challenging field, but if you have a passion for the stars and a desire to unravel the mysteries of the universe, it can be an incredibly rewarding career path. To have a fulfilling career in astrophysics, you’ll need an advanced degree. While a bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, or mathematics might qualify you for a position as a research assistant, pursuing a master’s degree followed by a Ph.D. is essential for more advanced roles.
Success in this field requires a focused research mindset, patience, and the ability to meet deadlines. Strong communication skills, proficiency in computing, and expertise in analyzing data are also crucial.
Is there a future in this field?
Absolutely. The pursuit of knowledge is endless, and the demand for understanding our universe remains insatiable.
Where do I start?
In Goa
To begin your journey in astrophysics, you should first pursue a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics. Unfortunately, Goa doesn’t offer postgraduate programs specifically in astrophysics. However, you can continue with a master’s degree in Physics or Mathematics as a stepping stone.
Outside Goa
To specialize in astrophysics, you’ll need to pursue a Master’s program in Astrophysics, followed by a Ph.D. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore is a highly recommended institution for advanced studies in this field.
For admission to Ph.D. programs, you can take the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), which is conducted annually across India in February. Some of the prestigious institutions participating in this program include:
• Harish-Chandra Research Institute
• Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore
• Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar
• Institute for Plasma Research (IPR)
• Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune
• Inter-University Consortium for DAE Facilities (IUC-DAEF), Indore
• Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bangalore
• National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune
• Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
• Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore
• The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai
Employment Opportunities
Careers in astrophysics are primarily found in government or large research institutions, or as lecturers and professors in universities. With a Ph.D., you can gain entry into these prestigious institutions, where you can dedicate your life to research, working with advanced equipment to study distant celestial bodies and drawing logical conclusions from observational data. If you are passionate about obtaining a doctorate and eager to work in this field, there is significant potential for career satisfaction.
Earnings:
Scientists and researchers in this field are well-compensated, reflecting the specialized skills and knowledge required.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024