Conference on star clusters begins at MANUU

Hyderabad: Universe is a mysterious entity. Human beings have been exploring it through ages and new revelations are made about it with the development of science and technology. Prof. Ram Sagar, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore expressed these views today while addressing the inaugural of the conference on “Formation and Evolution of Star Clusters” as Chief Guest. 

Department of Physics, Maulana Azad National Urdu University is hosting the 4 day conference being sponsored by Inter-University Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. Dr. M. A. Sikandar, Registrar presided over the inaugural. 

Prof. Ram Sagar described the theme of the conference as important and apt. He also highlighted the importance of modern Astrophysics in exploring the Universe. Prof. Sagar who began his research about star clusters nearly 40 years ago in Nainital, also delivered a key note on colour magnitude diagram. He described star cluster as a group of gravitationally bound stars presumably created from same material, moving together through the star fields and located at the same distance. Most of the stars are found in clusters, he informed. Cluster formation is central to the star formation process. 

Dr. M. A. Sikandar in his address referred to religious books which spoke about the formation of Universe. We need to explore the science and its impact on our everyday life, he suggested. Study of Astronomy and Astrophysics is quite interesting, he remarked. MANUU, will also encourage research in scientific subjects, he said. More research, more presentation of papers is needed for this nascent university in the scientific field also, he added. Special focus will be laid to develop science based courses in the University, the Registrar said. 

Earlier, Prof. S. Najamul Hasan, Dean, School of Science and Co-convenor Conference welcomed the delegates and spoke about the importance of the conference. Dr. H. Aleem Basha, Head, Department of Physics introduced the Chief Guest. Dr. Rizwanul Haq Ansari, Assistant Professor (Physics) conducted the proceedings. Dr. Priya Hasan, Assistant Professor (Physics) & Convenor Conference proposed the vote of thanks. 

The aim of the conference is to expose young scientists to modern trends in Star Clusters by leading experts from these areas. The observational and theoretical study of star clusters, using observations, simulations and GAIA data, etc is also part of the conference. The conference also promotes international collaboration, with emphasis on the exchange of ideas, information and opinions. 

Experts from leading institutions and universities are attending the conference.