About

Born in 1910 in Lahore (now in Pakistan), Chandrasekhar showed an early aptitude for science and mathematics. Chandrasekhar's most significant contribution came in the field of stellar dynamics, where he formulated the concept of "Chandrasekhar limit. " This limit describes the maximum mass of a white dwarf star beyond which it would collapse under its own gravitational pull and become a neutron star or a black hole. This work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983. Throughout his career, Chandrasekhar delved into diverse areas of study, including celestial mechanics, radiative transfer, and quantum theory. His research on radiative transfer led to the development of the "Chandrasekhar equation," which describes how photons scatter and interact with atoms and particles. Chandrasekhar's collaboration with William A. Fowler on the theoretical calculations of the later stages of stellar evolution shed light on the formation of supernovae and the synthesis of heavy elements in stars. Their work earned them the prestigious Henry Norris Russell Lectureship from the American Astronomical Society. Despite facing discrimination due to his race and ethnicity in the United States, Chandrasekhar persisted in his research and teaching career. He served as a professor at the University of Chicago for several decades and mentored numerous students who went on to become notable scientists. In addition to his scientific achievements, Chandrasekhar was known for his clear and articulate writing style. He authored several influential books, including "An Introduction to the Study of Stellar Structure" and "Principles of Stellar Dynamics. " These publications became widely used as textbooks in universities and institutions around the world. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar's impact on astrophysics and our understanding of the universe is immeasurable. His work continues to inspire and guide scientists in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos. Chandrasekhar passed away in 1995, leaving behind a profound legacy in the field of astrophysics.