India's first professional meteor scientist
Dr. Aswin Sekhar
Dr.Aswin Sekhar, born on October 5th, 1985, holds the distinction of being India’s pioneering professional meteor scientist. He currently serves as a scientist within the meteor science team at the esteemed Institute of Celestial Mechanics, Paris Observatory, France. His fervent passion for physics and astronomy was cultivated during his formative years in Kerala, India. His journey into the realm of professional meteor science was significantly influenced by the eminent astrophysicist, Dr. David Asher, who subsequently became his Ph.D. supervisor during his time in the UK.
Aswin Sekhar’s noteworthy contributions to the field of meteor science have positioned him as a global authority in the accurate forecasting of meteor showers. His groundbreaking work in meteoroid stream dynamics has played a pivotal role in enhancing our comprehension of celestial object behavior. This places him in a crucial role within our planet’s defense mechanisms against the potential threats posed by falling meteors, asteroids, and comets.
Story
Dr. Aswin Sekhar: A Brief Biography
Family Background
Comes from a family with a strong foundation in health and wellness.
- Father: Mr. Sekhar S, Founder-Director at Kottakkal Ayurvedic Centre Bahrain.
- Mother: Mrs. Anitha Sekhar, Front Office Manager at Kottakkal Ayurvedic Centre Bahrain.
Education Journey
- Academic Beginnings: Commenced academic journey with All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) in 2002 at the Centre for Earth and Space Sciences (CEMCS), CBSE (New Delhi).
- Senior Schooling: Completed All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) in 2004 at Bhavans Vidya Mandir Girinagar, Kerala.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Pursued Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Mahatma Gandhi College, affiliated with the University of Kerala, graduating with the third rank in the class of 2004.
- Master’s Degree: Attained Master of Science degree from VIT University, Tamil Nadu, ranking third in the 2007 batch.
- M.Phil in Physics: Completed M.Phil in Physics at Christ University, Bangalore, emerging as the topper of the 2009 batch.
- Doctorate: Achieved Ph.D. in Physics from Queen’s University of Belfast, UK, in 2014, focusing on the Evolution of Halley-type Comets and Meteoroid Streams. First candidate to successfully pass the Viva in the Ph.D. Physics 2010 batch.
Professional Career
Held esteemed positions at renowned institutions worldwide.
- Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Northern Ireland.
- University of Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics, University of Oslo.
Prominent Niche in Astronomy: Dr. Aswin Sekhar’s scholarly contributions have established him as a leading figure in the fields of astronomy and meteoroid stream dynamics.
Recognition and Respect: His dedication and insights have garnered recognition and respect within the scientific community, positioning him among the distinguished names in the field.
Unwavering Commitment to Advancement: Dr. Sekhar’s unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and his proactive efforts to mitigate potential celestial threats reflect his remarkable dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe.
Research and Work Experience
Dr. Aswin Sekhar is a distinguished researcher with a primary focus on meteoroid stream dynamics, particularly the impacts of relativity and resonances within these streams. He specializes in modeling the trajectories of celestial bodies in the solar system to assess impact risks and potential collisions with Earth using advanced supercomputers.
Dr. Sekhar's significant contributions to the field include groundbreaking research on Saturnian mean motion resonances in meteoroid streams, the resonant behavior of the Orionid stream, and the effects of general relativistic precession on meteoroid orbits.
Professional Journey
01
Astronomer at Institut de Mécanique Céleste et de Calcul des Ephémérides (IMCCE), Paris Observatory, France (2020 - present)
- Dr. Sekhar is currently affiliated with IMCCE, where he continues to advance his research on meteoroid stream dynamics.
- Responsibilities include conducting research, publishing findings, and collaborating with international partners to further understanding in the field.
02
Visiting Astronomer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Northern Ireland (2018 - present)
- Contribution as a visiting astronomer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Northern Ireland, enriching his research and collaborations.
- Engages in data analysis, observation, and collaboration with fellow astronomers to explore various aspects of meteoroid stream dynamics.
03
Researcher at University of Oslo, Norway (2018):
- Utilized expertise at the University of Oslo for research on meteoroid streams.
- Conducted experiments, analyzed data, and contributed to publications aimed at advancing knowledge in the field.
04
Post Doctoral Fellow at Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics, University of Oslo, Norway (2015 - 2018)
- Made significant contributions to the field by studying meteoroid stream dynamics and their resonances.
- Led research projects, mentored students, and presented findings at international conferences to disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration.
05
Research Associate at Armagh Observatory, UK (2014 - 2015)
- Initiated research journey at Armagh Observatory, focusing on meteoroid stream dynamics.
- Conducted observational studies, data analysis, and contributed to the formulation of research hypotheses.
Some of Dr. Aswin Sekhar's notable publications include
- – ‘Meteoroids: Sources of Meteors on Earth and Beyond’
- – ‘Gender parity closer among astronomers in low-income countries’
- – ‘Evolution of Halley-type Comets and Meteoroid Streams’
- – ‘Resonant Behavior of Comet Halley and the Orionid Stream’
- – ‘GR Precession and Kozai Mechanism in Asteroid-Comet Continuum’
- – ‘Change in Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance due to General Relativistic Precession in Small Solar System Bodies’