We are increasingly aware of the impact of space weather on spacecraft in space and, occasionally, on electrical power transmission on Earth, but what about its impact on the Earth’s atmosphere? That is exactly the research interest of Professor Pallam Raju, Dean of the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, India. Founded in 1947, the PRL is one of India’s most prestigious scientific institutions, not least because it was founded by Dr Vikram Sarabhai.
In this conversation, recorded in Nicosia during COSPAR2025.ORG the topics we discussed include
- Professor Pallam Raju’s transition from theoretical physics to experimental aeronomy (science of the upper atmosphere) was inspired by childhood curiosity about the sky and optics.
- Professor Raju’s innovative optical instruments to detect faint atmospheric airglow and aurora against the overpowering glare of the sun.
- His extensive fieldwork includes research in Antarctica, Greenland, and Norway, as well as the use of high-altitude balloons for ultraviolet measurements.
- The impact of space weather involves solar particles hitting Earth, potentially damaging satellite electronics and disrupting vital global communications.
- He describes how India participates in the 24/7 Global Oscillations Monitoring Group. including solar observatories at Mount Abu and Udiapur that help provide early warnings for satellite operators.
- He describes space missions like Aditya L1 and the dual-satellite Disha project, which will comprehensively monitor solar-terrestrial interactions from space.
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