Aswin Sekhar Access

His postdoctoral research took him to institutions across Europe, including the University of Cologne (Germany) and the University of Kent (United Kingdom). This pan-European training allowed Sekhar to develop a rare skill set: he is equally comfortable calculating orbital mechanics for Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and debating the philosophical ethics of space commercialization.

Born on October 5, 1985, in Ottapalam, a small town in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India, Sekhar grew up fascinated by the night sky. While his family was predominantly composed of medical professionals, his childhood mentors encouraged him to look toward the cosmos, inspiring him to observe celestial events and visit regional science museums.

Whether he is charting a meteor shower or charting a nation’s digital future, Aswin Sekhar continues to build bridges between what is, and what is scientifically possible. aswin sekhar

The term Sekhar (often associated with Sukha or happiness/welfare, or derived from Shikhar denoting a peak/summit of blessing) traditionally represents the material manifestation of a verbal blessing. In Hindu theology, Dakshina (offering) is essential to complete a ritual cycle. The Aswin Sekhar , therefore, evolved as the Dakshina for the Dashain Tika ritual. Mythologically, it represents the blessings of the Goddess and the ancestors, ensuring the prosperity (Shree) and longevity (Ayush) of the recipient.

You might wonder: Why study tiny rocks in space? For Dr. Sekhar, it’s about safety and history. As a solar system dynamicist at the Paris Observatory and formerly the University of Oslo, his work focuses on: His postdoctoral research took him to institutions across

Beyond his research on small bodies, Dr. Sekhar has provided expert perspectives on the future of human space exploration. He has expressed excitement regarding the , noting its goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

In June 2023, the IAU officially named an asteroid after him: . While his family was predominantly composed of medical

Today, as a Fellow of the and a member of the IAU's elite committee on meteors, Dr. Sekhar continues to bridge the gap between India and the global scientific community.

Author Biography. A researcher in celestial mechanics and solar system dynamics. The Royal Astronomical Society Aswin Sekhar | Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy