Latest news with #R.Jayakrishnan
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Thiruvananthapuram Observatory logs shed new light on solar flare that rocked Earth in 1859
Researchers at Kerala University have unearthed vital historical data that sheds new light on the 1859 Carrington Event, one of most intense geomagnetic storms. Drawing from long-overlooked magnetic logs preserved at the historic Thiruvananthapuram Astronomical Observatory, the team has decoded hidden clues that could reshape the understanding of solar mega-storms and their future threat to modern civilisation. The Carrington Event, triggered by a colossal solar flare, slammed Earth's magnetosphere on September 2, 1859, unleashing global auroras and sparking unexplained surges in telegraph systems. While 19th-century technology endured the chaos, the scientists warn that a similar event today could cripple navigation systems, disrupt power grids, paralyse broadband networks and cellular communications, and trigger economic losses exceeding $1 trillion. Led by R. Jayakrishnan, the Observatory's Director, the university's research team analysed magnetic records made in the days before and after the 1859 solar outburst. Their findings, now published in the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) publication, Advances in Space Research, reveal that Thiruvananthapuram's logs, neglected for over a century, captured not only the main storm but also a precursor solar flare on August 28, 1859. 'Although documented historically, it (the earlier flare) was long overlooked due to its modest appearance. The new analysis reveals that the incident likely destabilised Earth's magnetic environment, effectively heightening the damage inflicted by the subsequent flare just days later,' Prof. Jayakrishnan explains. What distinguishes Thiruvananthapuram's records is the precision of its measurements. Magnetic data had been captured at intervals of 2, 3, and 5 minutes, contrasting Mumbai's Colaba Observatory which recorded data at 5-minute intervals only. These fine-grained analog observations are being digitised as part of an archival initiative supported by the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi. Prof. Jayakrishnan adds that the study reaffirms Kerala's historical role in advancing solar storm research. By applying modern modelling tools to legacy datasets, the researchers reconstructed how solar energy shaped Earth's magnetic fields over a century and a half ago. 'We are not just studying the past, but also preparing for tomorrow,' the principal investigator said. 'Mega-storms may be rare, but when they hit, they can upend modern life. Insights from Thiruvananthapuram are helping us anticipate such threats.'
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Kerala University wins patent for eco-friendly solar cell technology
The University of Kerala has bagged a patent for developing a unique, eco-friendly process to create materials used in next-generation solar cells. The breakthrough came through a joint effort by the university's Physics and Botany departments, under its Translational Research and Innovation Centre (TRIC-KU). The team of inventors includes Dr. R. Jayakrishnan and Dr. Aruna Raj (both from the Physics Department), and Prof. A. Gangaprasad and Priji S. (both from the Botany Department). They earned the Indian patent for their research on 'A process for the preparation of copper-incorporated Methylammonium Lead Bromide Quantum Dots using Momordica Cochinchinenises (LOUR.) SPRENG. Aril Extract'. The innovation involves using a natural extract from a fruit called Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.), commonly known as baby jackfruit, to produce a type of material known as perovskite quantum dots. These tiny particles are used in dye-sensitised solar cells, a promising technology for future solar energy. (Perovskite is a class of compounds which have the same type of crystal structure as Calcium Titanate). What makes this development special is the green approach: the team managed to improve the material's performance using a plant extract, avoiding the need for high temperatures and saving energy during production. They also replaced 30% of the toxic lead in the material with copper, making it safer for the environment. Dr. Jayakrishnan said perovskite materials can reach solar energy efficiency levels of around 25%, much higher than traditional silicon solar panels, which usually manage only 15% to 18%. He added the invention is a step forward towards delivering a true carbon neutral process. The researchers also see potential for their patented process to be used in blue LED applications and other electronics. The university hopes to partner with semiconductor industries for commercial production and scale-up of the eco-friendly technology for optoelectronic applications. The project was supported by the university's non-Plan funding during 2022–2023 fiscal.
