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5th COLLOQUIUM of IIT dhArwAD
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) DhArwAD successfully conducted its 5th Colloquium on January 18, 2024, with a keynote address by the esteemed Prof. Shrinivas R. Kulkarni. An acclaimed astronomer and academic, Prof. Kulkarni hold multiple prestigious positions, including the George Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology, Chair of the Physical Science Panel at the Infosys Science Foundation, and the JRD Tata Chair Professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.
In his lecture, Prof. Kulkarni delved into the intricacies of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), a pioneering project in the field of astronomy. The ZTF, known for its systematic exploration of the dynamic optical night sky, plays a crucial role in the discovery of astronomical phenomena such as exploding stars, quasars, and moving objects. It sets the stage for the upcoming Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space & Time (LSST).
Prof. Kulkarni highlighted the journey of the ZTF from its conceptualization to implementation, emphasizing the significant engineering and computer science advancements that have enabled this groundbreaking work in automated astronomical observation.
The 5th Colloquium of IIT DhArwAD, with its focus on cutting-edge astronomical research and innovation, once again established itself as a key event for scientific discourse and learning. Prof. Kulkarni's contribution to the field and his roots in Maharashtra, specifically in Kurundwad and Hubballi, District DhArwAD, were also celebrated during the event.
