Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 29: The department of physics, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), recently organised a lecture on the topic ‘Gyrochronology, A Route to the Ages of Stars’ in Robert Sequeira Hall of the college. Dr Sydney A Barnes, an international scientist of Leibniz Institute of Astronomy, Germany, delivered a scientific lecture.

Dr Sydney opened up many interesting facts related to the stars through his lecture. Rotation plays an important role in the life of stars. The age of stars can be determined from this rotation period. The idea of using the rotation of the stars as a chronometer is called Gyrochronology. Experimental studies of rotation play an important role in stellar astrophysics. It is possible to scientifically study the evolution of stars from birth, childhood, youth and maturity through the theories of Gyrochronology. He opined that Gyrochronology is a beacon for understanding the beautiful life between birth and death of stars. There are no limits to studying the sky for students interested in astronomy. He instilled interest in astronomy among the young students by saying that sky observation, study of stars will always give joy to the students.

Principal Dr Praveen Martis SJ in his presidential remarks said, the students of science should look at every subject scientifically at every level. They should look at every result of science with curiosity, understand it and be involved in new discoveries.

The programme was attended by PUC, graduate and postgraduate students and faculty. Director of Xavier Block Dr Narayana Bhat was present.

Head of physics department Dr Ishwara Bhat introduced the resource person and welcomed the gathering. Shiny, III BSc compered the programme. Dr Chandrasekhara Shetty, associate professor proposed vote of thanks.

There was an interactive session which was held at the end of the programme where the resource person clarified many queries of the students.