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Banyal, Ravinder KumarAssociate ProfessorAstronomy instrumentation, exoplanet science, adaptive opticsEmail : banyal, Phone : 91-8022541272, Office Room no : 211Research Group : GC - 1 : Sun And Solar SystemResearch Interest (s) : I work in astronomy instrumentation and exoplanet science. My work focuses on the study of various exoplanet populations and their correlation with various stellar parameters, including elemental abundance, age, mass, spectral type, rotation, and activity. This research is crucial to understand the diverse astrophysical conditions under which planets form and evolve. On the instrumentation side, I am leading a collaborative effort between UCSC/USA and IIA to build a high-contrast infrared imager and integral field spectrograph (IFS) for the 10m W.M. Keck telescope in Hawaii. The extended infrared wavelength range (2-5 μm) of the instrument will explore a new discovery space and also study the exoplanetary atmosphere in more detail. Adaptive optics (AO) is another instrumentation area that I am currently perusing. Our goal is to develop basic AO capabilities for 2m class telescopes in IIA. Apart from research, I am also deeply passionate about public outreach and science communication. Promoting a scientific outlook in society is an important duty as envisaged in Article 51 A of the Indian constitution which calls upon every citizen “to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.” As scientists, we owe it to society more than anyone else.
Student(s): Past Students: V. Sreekanth; C. Sireesha, Tanya Das, Current Students: C. Swastik;Selected Publications (s)