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Meghnad Saha: The Brilliant Indian Astrophysicist Who Revolutionized Our Understanding of Stars

Jimmy Butler

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Meghnad Saha (MEGNATH) (Famous Biographies for Children)

by Svingen and Pedersen

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Meghnad Saha Meghnad Saha (MEGNATH) (Famous Biographies For Children)

Early Life and Education

Meghnad Saha was born on October 6, 1893, in Shaoratoli, a small village in the Dhaka district of present-day Bangladesh. His father, Jagannath Saha, was a schoolteacher, and his mother, Bhubanmohini Devi, was a homemaker. Saha showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and he excelled in his studies.

In 1911, Saha enrolled at Presidency College in Calcutta (now Kolkata),where he studied physics and mathematics. He graduated with honors in 1915 and went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Calcutta in 1917.

Early Career

After completing his master's degree, Saha began his teaching career at the University of Calcutta. In 1921, he was appointed as a lecturer in physics at the University of Allahabad. It was during his time at Allahabad that Saha began his research on the thermal ionization of elements in stars.

The Saha Equation

In 1921, Saha published his groundbreaking paper on the thermal ionization of elements in stars. In this paper, he derived an equation that related the ionization state of atoms and ions in stellar atmospheres to the temperature and pressure of the atmosphere. This equation, known as the Saha equation, has become one of the most important equations in astrophysics.

The Saha equation is used to calculate the ionization state of atoms and ions in stellar atmospheres. This information is essential for understanding the structure and evolution of stars. The Saha equation has also been used to study the atmospheres of planets, comets, and other astronomical objects.

Later Career

In 1927, Saha returned to the University of Calcutta as a professor of physics. He continued his research on astrophysics and made significant contributions to the field. In 1938, he was elected as the President of the Indian Science Congress.

Saha was also a strong advocate for the development of science in India. He founded the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in 1924 and served as its first President. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in 1948.

Legacy

Meghnad Saha was one of the most influential astrophysicists of the 20th century. His work on the thermal ionization of elements in stars has revolutionized our understanding of stars and has had a profound impact on the field of astrophysics.

Saha was also a gifted teacher and mentor. He inspired a generation of Indian scientists and helped to lay the foundation for India's modern scientific establishment.

Saha died on February 16, 1956, at the age of 62. He is remembered as one of the greatest scientists of India and as one of the pioneers of astrophysics.

Meghnad Saha (MEGNATH) (Famous Biographies for Children)

by Svingen and Pedersen

5 out of 5