Today marks the birth anniversary of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, the renowned physicist who made history as the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. Raman's early interest in science, nurtured by his father who was a lecturer in mathematics and physics, led him to pioneering research on the scattering of light, also known as the Raman Effect. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the study of material properties and molecular structure, solidifying Raman's legacy in the scientific community.
Celebrating the Legacy of C. V. Raman: India's First Nobel Prize Winner in Science
Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, better known as C. V. Raman, was an Indian physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of spectroscopy. He is best known for discovering the Raman Effect in 1928, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences.
Background
C. V. Raman was born in Trichinopoly, Madras Presidency (now Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu) on November 7, 1888. He showed an early interest in science, inspired by his father, who was a lecturer in mathematics and physics. Raman completed his early education in India and then pursued his higher education in England at Trinity College, Cambridge. After returning to India in 1917, he took up a professorship at the University of Calcutta, where he continued his research in optics.
Raman Effect and Nobel Prize
In 1928, Raman made his groundbreaking discovery, which became known as the Raman Effect. He discovered that when light is scattered by molecules or atoms, some of the scattered light has a different wavelength than the original light. This phenomenon, known as Raman scattering, provided valuable information about the molecular structure and vibrational properties of matter.
Raman's discovery had a profound impact on the field of spectroscopy and laid the foundation for many important applications, such as the identification of chemical compounds, molecular fingerprinting, and the study of biological systems. In recognition of his seminal contribution, Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. He shared the prize with his student, K. S. Krishnan.
Later Career and Legacy
After winning the Nobel Prize, Raman continued his research in optics and spectroscopy. He founded the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1934 and served as its president for many years. He also established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, which became a leading center for research in physics.
Raman was a respected scientist and a staunch promoter of science education. He was knighted in 1929 and received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century and his legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and students.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
C. V. Raman was an Indian physicist who discovered the Raman Effect and became the first Asian to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences.
The Raman Effect is a phenomenon in which light scattered by molecules or atoms has a different wavelength than the original light. This provides information about the molecular structure and vibrational properties of matter.
Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his discovery of the Raman Effect.
The Raman Effect has numerous applications, including:
In addition to the Raman Effect, Raman also made significant contributions to the fields of optics, acoustics, and crystallography. He also founded the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Raman Research Institute.
On September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse, known as a "Blood Moon," was visible to sky-watchers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This event, which lasted from 8:58 pm to 2:25 am in India, is the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 and only the second clearly visible Blood Moon in India since 2018. The Moon appeared red due to the Earth's atmosphere bending sunlight and filtering out blue light, providing ideal viewing conditions for Indian observers in the late evening and early hours of September 8.
Astronomers and skywatchers across Asia and Europe are preparing to witness a rare celestial event - a total lunar eclipse that will turn the moon into a blood red hue. The event, expected to occur overnight on September 7 and 8, will begin at around 2:41 am IST and reach its maximum phase at 5:11 pm EDT. This will be followed by 82 minutes of totality, during which the moon will be fully immersed in Earth's dark umbral shadow. The phenomenon is expected to be visible to approximately 77% of the world's population and will coincidentally occur just days before the moon reaches its perigee, appearing slightly larger than its usual size.
Mark your calendars for September 7-8, 2025, as a rare and remarkable lunar event is set to take the center stage in the sky. Astronomers predict that on this night, the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 will be visible across India, lasting for 82 minutes. It will also be the first time in three years that the entire eclipse will be visible from every corner of the country. Unlike a solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse can be safely watched with the naked eye, making it an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out as the Moon turns a mesmerizing coppery red, known as the Blood Moon, during this rare celestial phenomenon.
Stargazers in India are in for a treat on Sunday night as a rare lunar eclipse, known as a "Blood Moon," will light up the sky. This phenomenon will be visible in parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia, with the best views in India and China. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye, making it a must-see event for anyone with clear skies and a good vantage point. This will be the first total lunar eclipse visible since 2022, and serves as a prelude to a highly anticipated total solar eclipse in 2026.
With the ongoing monsoon, there has been a rise in mosquito breeding, which can lead to the spread of diseases. To prevent this, experts recommend taking simple steps to protect your home, such as regularly cleaning stagnant water sources, keeping buckets and tanks covered, and using mosquito-repellent measures. Installing mesh screens and keeping doors and windows closed during peak mosquito hours can also help. According to a recent study, using spatial mosquito repellent sheets can reduce the risk of malaria by 50%.
With the recent surge in mosquito-borne illnesses due to favorable breeding conditions, it is crucial to understand the dangers of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. These infections have no permanent cure, making prevention the only defense. With no specific treatment available, doctors emphasize the importance of mosquito control to protect oneself and loved ones from the deadly threats these diseases pose.
A powerful earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck northeast Afghanistan, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The country has a history of being prone to earthquakes, with its location on multiple fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian plates meet. The depth and magnitude of the quake also play a significant role in its destructiveness, as shallow earthquakes are usually more dangerous. This event serves as a grim reminder of the constant tectonic activity in the region and the high seismic hazard it poses.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Delhi-NCR, with predictions of intense downpours and severe waterlogging in Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Schools and offices in the affected regions have been advised to remain closed, encouraging work-from-home arrangements. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also under a red alert for the risk of flash floods, while Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are currently under an orange warning. Stay updated with the latest news on rain, traffic conditions, and school closures in Delhi-NCR.
After a year of failed attempts, SpaceX's Starship rocket finally successfully completed its first-ever deployment of a test payload into space. The rocket, carrying eight dummy satellites, soared into orbit from Starbase in South Texas and splashed down as planned in the Indian Ocean. This marks a major achievement for SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's goal of using the Starship for future crewed missions to the moon and ultimately Mars. The successful test also included the return of the rocket's Super Heavy Booster, which splashed down in the Atlantic.
During his address on National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's aspirations to explore deep space and encouraged the nation's space scientists to prepare for a mission beyond galaxies. He also challenged the private sector to become major players in the space industry by achieving unicorn status within five years and increasing India's launch capacity to 50 rockets per year. Modi also commended ISRO's consistent achievements and noted the historic moment two years ago when India became the first country to land on the Moon's South Pole.