Institute of Astronomy Space and Earth Science (Registration No. S0026037 of 2021-2022)

Works

1) Multi-wavelength Study of Cosmic Explosions According to the present understanding, only about 5% of the Universe is visible in the form of galaxies and stars, and interstellar material. The major constituent of this visible universe is Hydrogen. All other elements are mostly formed at the centers of stars through nuclear reactions, and these nuclear yields are fed back to the interstellar medium during stellar eruptions and due to extreme explosions at the end stages of the stars. Stars that are at least 8 times more massive than our Sun go through extreme explosions known as Supernovae. Similar explosions can also happen when a star accidentally approaches very near the supermassive Black Hole at the center of galaxies. Such phenomena are called Tidal Disruption Events. All these catastrophes are mostly visible in Optical wavelength, as well as in Ultraviolet, Infrared, and other electromagnetic wavelengths, depending on the environments of the exploded stars. In this center, we mainly work on the Optical photometric and spectroscopic study of such extreme catastrophes. We also conduct Ultraviolet, Infrared, X-ray, and Radio observations of these events, depending on their characteristics. To study in Optical and Infrared wavelengths, we use 1m to 10m class optical telescopes located at different parts of the world. For Ultraviolet and X-ray observations, we mainly use space-based telescopes like Swift and ASTROSAT. Similarly, for radio follow-up facilities like uGMRT and VLA are used frequently.

2) Multiwavelength study of Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) Accretion of matter onto Black Holes is one of the least unknown phenomena in Astronomy. Active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which are compact, luminous regions at the centers of galaxies, are unique astronomical sources that can probe supermassive black hole (SMBH) accretion in great detail. They are powered by accretion onto the SMBH, which makes them strong emitters at different electromagnetic bands - starting from Gamma rays to Radio wavelengths. Many open questions are still unsolved in this research area that include jet formation, its connection with the evolution of the SMBH and the host galaxy, recurrence in the accretion activity, and its effect on the jet launching mechanism. In this center, we are mainly involved in studying multiple jet activity, jet precision, jet launching mechanism, and the evolution of binary AGN systems. All these research works are based on multiwavelength observations. Existing national and international facilities - mainly radio, optical, X-ray, and ultraviolet telescopes are the prime observing instruments for this study.

People

01

Dr. Rupak Roy

(Associate Professor)
02

Dr. Sumana Nandi

(Associate Professor)