ISRO Fellowship SRF
Research Area: Planetary Atmosphere, Venusian Atmosphere, Planetary atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, Radio Science, Radio Occultation
PDF, Princeton University, USA
Research Area: Solar physics, plasma physics, space physics, Solar wind turbulence
JSPS-Fellow, Tokyo University, Japan.
Research Area: Venus atmosphere, Plasma physics
Asst. Professor, Nagoya University, Japan
Research Area: Energetic coupling between the Sun and Earth
Scientist, SPL, VSSC
Research Area: A study of equatorial and low latitude plasma processes using physics based ionospheric models in association with ground based/space borne optical and radio experiments
We work on GNSS-based ionospheric tomography to study plasma dynamics in the equatorial and low-latitude ionosphere, particularly over the Indian region. Our focus is on developing reconstruction techniques, such as the Geometric Mean Algebraic Reconstruction method, to derive electron density profiles from slant TEC measurements. These tools help us investigate ionospheric responses during geomagnetic storms, including variations in vertical TEC and shifts in the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly crest. By linking these changes to interplanetary electric fields and neutral wind dynamics, we aim to understand the coupled electrodynamic and thermospheric processes governing ionospheric variability and improve space weather prediction capabilities.
We are working on modeling studies of plasma processes in the equatorial and low-latitude ionosphere. Our main goal is to develop an in-house, physics-based ionospheric model that is specially designed for this region. The model incorporates major electrodynamic, chemical, and thermospheric processes that govern ionospheric structure and dynamics. By accurately capturing these interactions, it serves as a powerful tool for investigating the variability of the low-latitude ionosphere. Using this model, along with ground-based and space-based observations, we study the ionospheric response to geomagnetic storms and space weather events, which can significantly impact communication, navigation, and satellite-based systems.
We work on understanding the Sun and its interaction with planetary atmospheres using the radio occultation technique, which measures changes in signal as a spacecraft passes behind a planet. By tracking signals from the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Japan’s Akatsuki probe, we map solar wind density, speed, and magnetic fields.
Our work is primarily concerned with the study of planetary atmospheric medium using the Radio Occultation technique. Currently the focus is on Venus, with JAXA's Akatsuki Orbiter's Radio Science payload data being studied. Starting from the region below the clouds of Venus, we want to explore the presence and evolution of the Sulfuric acid vapor layer present in the region, which would give us a better understanding of the large scale atmospheric circulation patterns. Additionally we are also looking at phenomena like the prevalent wave activity (like gravity waves) which would enable the linking of the deep atmospheric processes to that of the upper atmosphere.