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.
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:
Dr. Aswin Sekhar’s story is one of breaking barriers. He is a man who looked up at the night sky, followed his curiosity, and has spent his life ensuring that humanity can safely look up at the stars while understanding the science behind them. Whether forecasting a meteor shower from the Paris Observatory, donating a telescope to a tribal school in Kerala, or serving on the elite committees of the IAU, his work is driven by a singular goal: to make the cosmos accessible and safe for everyone.
: He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Mahatma Gandhi College under the University of Kerala, graduating third in his class. aswin sekhar
Sekhar’s path to the stars was built through a series of prestigious academic milestones across India and Europe:
: He has held prestigious positions at the Paris Observatory (France), the University of Oslo (Norway), and is a life member of the Astronomical Society of India . 🎓 Academic Path
Dr. Sekhar’s research treats the solar system as a highly dynamic, mathematical clockwork. He tracks how swarms of particles ejected by comets move through space and interact with giant planets. Dr. Aswin Sekhar Whether he is charting a meteor shower or
Most recently, in November 2025, he was bestowed the position by Queen's University Belfast as part of the university's 180th anniversary celebrations. The honour, presented by the British High Commissioner to India, recognized his role as a "science outreach ambassador" and his work popularising science in rural and tribal India.
In addition to his research, Dr. Sekhar holds esteemed positions in the global scientific community. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS) and serves on its membership committee. His influence is most notably seen in the International Astronomical Union (IAU), where he has been elected to the decision-making bodies of two premier astronomical societies: the Royal Astronomical Society and the IAU Commission on Meteor Science. He is a member of the organising committee for the prestigious Commission F1, which focuses on Meteors, Meteorites, and Interplanetary Dust.
He earned his Bachelor’s in Physics from Kerala University, followed by a Master’s at VIT and an M.Phil at Christ University before completing his PhD in Belfast. Sekhar, it’s about safety and history
The advent of digital banking (eWallets like eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay) has introduced a new dynamic: the "Digital Sekhar." While physical currency notes are preferred for their tactile ritual value, younger generations increasingly accept transfers instantly. This shifts the Sekhar from a "sacred object" (physical money touched by the elder's hand during the ritual) to a "secular transaction."
Aswin Sekhar is a pioneering Indian astronomer and the nation’s first professional meteor scientist in modern times. His work bridges the gap between celestial mechanics and public science outreach, earning him international acclaim, including the rare honor of having a minor planet named after him. 🌠 Leading the Way in Meteor Science
: He is an affiliate of the prestigious Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Calculation of Ephemeris in France. 🪐 The Minor Planet "Aswinsekhar"
: He has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the effects of relativity and resonances on meteoroid streams.