Breaking News: Indian-Origin Astrophysicist Viraj Karambelkar Joins NASA's Prestigious Hubble Fellowship Program!

In a groundbreaking achievement for the field of astrophysics, the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) has revealed its exciting class of 2025 fellows, and among them is the accomplished Indian-origin astrophysicist, Viraj Karambelkar. This year's highly selective selection process saw over 650 applicants vie for honors, with only 24 being chosen based on their exceptional research potential and innovative contributions.

The NHFP is designed to support early-career scientists who are poised to make significant impacts in astrophysics. This prestigious fellowship provides up to three years of invaluable resources at US research institutions, enabling these talented astronomers to develop their leadership skills in a field that continuously pushes the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.

Karambelkar proudly holds the title of Hubble Fellow, awarded to researchers focusing on profound questions related to the origins and evolution of the universe. His journey began in Pune, India, where he completed his bachelor's degree in engineering physics and mathematics at the renowned Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in 2019. Currently, he is a graduate student at the illustrious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) under the guidance of the esteemed Mansi Kasliwal, with an anticipated PhD completion in 2025.

Focusing on the cosmic drama of stellar mergers—the explosive and complex interactions between white dwarfs, neutron stars, and other celestial bodies—Karambelkar's research is poised to unveil new perspectives on stellar processes, gravitational waves, and cosmic dust accumulation. His innovative work utilizes cutting-edge optical and infrared surveys to explore these dramatic cosmic events, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the universe's lifecycle.

In addition to his ground-breaking research, Karambelkar has made substantial strides in technical advancements within the field. He has developed a highly effective detection pipeline for the Wide-Field Infrared Transient Explorer (WINTER) surveyor at Palomar Observatory and has led observational programs involving the world’s most sophisticated telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope and the legendary Hubble Space Telescope.

As a new Hubble Fellow, Karambelkar's future endeavors promise to be revolutionary, utilizing data from upcoming projects such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, NASA’s SPHEREx mission, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. By delving deeper into the intricacies of stellar mergers, Karambelkar aims to enhance our understanding of binary star evolution and its significant implications for gravitational wave sources and cosmic dust formation.

Viraj Karambelkar's addition to NASA's fellowship program exemplifies not only personal triumph but also the growing global contribution to astrophysical research, showcasing the vibrant potential for young scientists to unlock the universe’s deepest secrets.