He is the next unstoppable force who is on a mission to demystify the mysteries of the universe. Meet Parth Uppal who passed out of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park this year. In a candid interview, he gushes about the recent asteroid he discovered in collaboration with IASC.
Read edited excerpts here.
Tell us about your recent discovery.
I have been associated with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) since 2021. Every year they conduct an asteroid search campaign wherein they provide the raw data gathered by the PAN-STARRS telescope installed somewhere in Hawaii. The process typically takes six-10 years, at which point the asteroid is numbered and catalogued by the International Astronomical Union. Numbered asteroids can be named by their citizen scientist discoverers. Fortunately, my discovery (main-belt asteroid, 2023 QX15) has been classified as a provisional discovery
How did you develop an interest in astronomy?
Whenever I watch the night sky, I wonder how this vast creation and celestial bodies like stars, planets, and galaxies had been created by the Almighty God and I am always curious to know more about it. It is this curiosity that inspires me to pursue and enhance my knowledge about this wonderful universe. Documentary series like How the Universe Works, Through The Wormhole, and books like Cosmos by Carl Sagan are further catalysts for my interest.
How did Apeejay School support you in this journey?
All my teachers (right from the KG) at Apeejay School have always encouraged me to enhance my knowledge, especially in the field of Science. They provided me with various opportunities like participating in Olympiads, quizzes and competitions which ultimately shaped and nurtured my interest.
Would you like to become an astronomer?
I would certainly like to pursue my passion in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
What’s the most challenging part about this discovery?
Time management while preparing for my JEE/CBSE exams and devoting time to analysing the images and details shared by IASC was a challenge. It is a time-consuming activity and needs the patience and precision to conclude.
What do you think of space and galaxies?
Nice question! Space or the universe is so vast that our understanding of it is very little. There are infinite mysteries like black holes, wormholes, and nebulas which are yet to be unfolded. One of the prominent theories (Big Bang) states that the universe originated from a single point known as the ‘point of singularity’ and has been expanding ever since. And galaxies are receding from each other and hence universe is ever expanding. This has also been described in our ancient Sanskrit literature like Puranas and Vedas.
With the present-day technologies, we have merely crossed the heliopause with the help of Voyager 1 and 2 launched in 1977. Telescopes like Hubble and James Webb are a great hope for us to unfold the mysteries of the universe. On a lighter note, sometimes it gives me the impression that what we see in the night sky may be just an illusion.
Who is your inspiration to pursue this and why?
My father has had a great passion for astronomy since his childhood. He sowed the seeds in me in my childhood. During our free time, we always discuss the universe, watch documentaries, read books related to the universe and exchange our knowledge and thoughts.