Ladakh's Dorje Angchuk inducted as Honorary Member of IAU; becomes first Indian to do so

In the very proud moment for India, Ladakh-based Dorje Angchuk, the chief engineer at India’s northernmost astronomical observatory has become the first and only Indian to get inducted as an Honorary Member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

 

Angchuk has been selected for ‘his passionate promotion of astronomy in the Ladakh region, through his excellent astrophotography’. He will be joining ten other Honorary Members from around the world, selected by IAU to join a select list of 20 international experts.

 

The position is recognition to individuals who have significantly contributed to the progress of astronomical research and culture in their country. This membership category was introduced in August 2018 and already has 9 members.

 

 

Union Minister of State in the Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh gave the information about the development via social media.

 

 

 

Angchuk is astrophotographs and his work combines the majestic beauty of the dark skies with the stunning enchantment of the landscape of Ladakh. His images of the telescopes at Hanle foregrounded against the Milky Way have become famous across the country. Angchuk's part of work has been even published in the New Yorker magazine, Association of Asia Pacific Physical Societies, and many newspapers in India

 

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the foremost international association of professional astronomers and is over 100 years old. It has more than 13000 individual members and 82 national members, including India.

 

It should be noted that the IAU’s national members propose one candidate every three years for honorary membership. The work of admission is then done by either the IAU Executive Committee or the President of a Division. This year Indian National Committee nominated Angchuk for this position.

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