Mayank Vahia
Mayank Nilkanth Vahia is an Indian astronomer associated with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai.[1] He specializes in space astronomy instrumentation, high-energy astrophysics, and the study of the origin and growth of astronomy in India.[2] Vahia is a lifetime member of the Astronomical Society of India and has made significant contributions to the field of archaeoastronomy.
| Mayank Vahia | |
| |
| Born | 24 September 1956 Bhuj, Kutch district, Gujarat, India |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Alma mater | University of Mumbai |
| Known for | Space astronomy instrumentation, High-energy astrophysics, Archaeoastronomy |
| Institutions | Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai Durham University University of Washington |
Early Life and Education
Mayank Vahia was born on 24 September 1956 in Bhuj, Kutch district, Gujarat, India. His educational background includes:
- B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics (1977) from the University of Mumbai
- M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics (1979) from the University of Mumbai
- Ph.D. in Astrophysics (1984) from the University of Mumbai
Scientific Career
Vahia's professional journey includes:
- 1983: Joined TIFR as a professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Taught physics at Durham University (UK) and the University of Washington (USA)
- 1986: Co-investigator on NASA's Space Shuttle Space Lab 3 Mission experiment "ANURADHA"
- 1996: Worked on the Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment (IXAE)
- 2003: Contributed to the Solar X-Ray Spectrometer (SOXS) on Indian satellites[3]
- Led the archaeoastronomy research group at TIFR, Mumbai[4]
Research Focus
Vahia's research interests include:
1. Understanding charge particle interaction in solar flares 2. X-ray emission from various astrophysical objects 3. Archaeoastronomy, particularly the history of astronomy in India 4. Science education and popularization
Notable Contributions
- Contributed to major astronomical telescopes like IXAE and SOXS on Indian satellites
- Led pioneering work in archaeoastronomy, exploring ancient Indian astronomical knowledge
- Authored books on scientific topics and the history of astronomy
References
- ↑ https://www.astron-soc.in/viewdetails/782
- ↑ https://southasia.wisc.edu/2009-spring-lecture-series/mayank-vahia/
- ↑ https://southasia.wisc.edu/2009-spring-lecture-series/mayank-vahia/
- ↑ https://weather.com/en-IN/india/space/news/2020-10-04-how-study-of-ancient-world-can-shed-light-beginning-astronomy