Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, the Nobel laureate who united astronomy and physics

As a child in India, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar was captivated by the night sky. He often climbed to the roof of his family home, gazing at the stars and wondering about their origin and nature.
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar’s journey from a curious boy in India to a Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist is a testament to how childhood dreams can shape extraordinary careers. Thanks to his lifelong passion for astrophysics, he became one of the first scientists to combine the fields of physics and astronomy.
The Indian-American astronomer and astrophysicist shared the 1983 Nobel Prize for Physics with William A Fowler for formulating the theory on how massive stars evolve. His understanding led to the discovery of black holes and neutron stars.
Chandrasekhar laid the foundation for modern astrophysics, helping to explain the life cycles of stars and the formation of black holes and neutron stars.
Born on October 19, 1910, in Lahore, India (now in Pakistan), Chandrasekhar showed an early interest in science. He pursued higher education at the University of Cambridge, where he was influenced by renowned physicist Arthur Eddington.
At just 19, he proposed the concept that would later be known as the Chandrasekhar Limit — the maximum mass a white dwarf star can have before it collapses under its own gravity.
A white dwarf is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel. It’s typically about the size of Earth but contains a mass comparable to that of the Sun.
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar’s calculations revealed that if a white dwarf exceeds approximately 1.4 times the mass of our Sun, it can no longer support itself against gravitational collapse.
The result can lead to a supernova explosion, a spectacular event that can outshine entire galaxies for a short period. This discovery was crucial because it helped explain why some stars die quietly while others explode dramatically.
Understanding this limit is crucial for astrophysics because it helps explain various cosmic phenomena:
Chandrasekhar’s move to merge the fields of physics and astronomy has influenced countless researchers. By applying principles from physics to solve astronomical problems, he demonstrated that the two disciplines are interconnected.
His pioneering work laid the groundwork for modern astrophysics, allowing scientists to utilise physical laws to understand complex cosmic phenomena.
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar’s theories not only clarified the fate of dying stars but also contributed to our understanding of neutron stars and black holes.
His insights into stellar evolution have become foundational in the study of astrophysics, providing a framework for understanding the lifecycle of stars across the universe.

Nobel laureate and man behind Chandrashekhar limit (Photo: Getty Images)

Beyond his research, Chandrasekhar was also a dedicated educator. He spent much of his career teaching and mentoring students at prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago, where he became a professor of astrophysics.
He was passionate about sharing knowledge and made a concerted effort to make science accessible to all.
Chandrasekhar often took complex theories and broke them down into understandable concepts, fostering a greater appreciation for astrophysics among his students.
His engaging teaching style and willingness to support young scientists inspired many to pursue careers in research and academia, creating a lasting legacy in the scientific community.
Chandrasekhar’s legacy extends beyond his discoveries. He represents the spirit of inquiry and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. His work not only deepened our understanding of the cosmos but also paved the way for new technologies and theories that continue to shape modern astrophysics.
He has received numerous awards and honours throughout his career, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian awards.
For anyone interested in the mysteries of the universe, Chandrasekhar’s story is a powerful reminder that curiosity and hard work can lead to remarkable discoveries.
Through his research, teachings, and innovative spirit, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar continues to inspire future generations of scientists, encouraging them to explore the wonders of the universe.