CV & Profile | Sarath Prabhavu

Academic Background

M.Phil Physics

Cochin University · 2022

Courses: Research Methodology, Physics of Materials, Theoretical Physics, General Relativity & Astrophysics (Elective)

Thesis: Estimation of Magnetic Field Parameter in Gamma Ray Burst Afterglows

Supervisor: Dr. Resmi L, IIST

M.Sc Physics

Kerala University · 2015

Courses: Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Statistical Physics, Electronics

Project: Estimation of HII region around massive stars

Supervisor: Prof. Anand Narayan, IIST

B.Sc Physics

Kerala University · 2012

Subjects: Physics (Main), Mathematics, Chemistry

Research Projects

2025 – Present

Understanding Space Weather Effects on Exospheric Escape from Earth

Supervisor: Dr. Dolon Bhattacharya, Research Scientist, LASP (Remote)

Study of Geocorona using Lyman Alpha Emission
Changes on Earth's exosphere during geomagnetic storm events (high negative Dst index)
Using RT modeling techniques to estimate exospheric escape rates

2024 – 2025

High Energy Astrophysics — Gamma Ray Bursts

Supervisor: Dr. Resmi L., Associate Professor, IIST (Remote)

Studied how GRB hardness and duration vary with observer's viewing angle
Modelled(Computational) single-pulse GRBs using a geometrically and optically thin top-hat jet model
Simulated bursts with isotropic viewing angles in FERMI-GBM bands
Established strong dependence of spectral hardness on viewing angle

Published in ApJ

Professional Experience

Project Associate — International Liquid Mirror Telescope, ARIES

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences · 2024

Telescope operations at the 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope
Built FITS web application for data storage and retrieval using Flask & PostgreSQL

Assistant Professor — Physics

SN College Varkala & KSMDB College · 2016-2019

Delivered university-level Physics lectures
Conducted practical sessions and evaluated student performance
Taught courses in Classical Mechanics, Optics, Electrodynamics, and C programming

Freelance Science Educator & Communicator

2014 – Present

200+ public science outreach events & sessions in India and Abroad
Host of "Arike Aakaasam" astronomy TV show on KITE Victers(Govt.of Kerala)
Science writing for Malayalam regional science publications
Online courses in Python, Electromangnetism, and Astrophotography

Peer-Reviewed Papers

The Astrophysical Journal · 2025

Effect of Viewing Angle in Gamma-Ray Burst Properties

Sreelakshmi P. Chakyar, Sarath Prabhavu J., Lekshmi Resmi

DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/adb1e0

View Paper

Astronomy & Astrophysics, Vol. 694, A80 · 2025

The 4 m International Liquid Mirror Telescope: Construction, Operation, and Science

J. Surdej, P. Hickson, K. Misra, D. Banerjee, S. Prabhavu, et al.

DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202452667

View Paper

Programming & Data Analysis

Python
Data analysis, computational modelling & web development · PyHDF, NetCDF

Matlab
Satellite data analysis (CloudSat) · M.Phil coursework

C, C++ & Bash Scripting
Systems programming & scripting workflows

Fortran ongoing
Scientific computing foundations

Web Development & Databases

Flask Web Applications
Scientific web tools development

PostgreSQL / SQL
FITS data storage & retrieval

Scientific & Technical

Computational Modelling
GRB afterglow & prompt emission

Satellite Data Analysis
Space weather modelling · NRLMSIS, GOLD

Linux & Git / GitHub
Version control & scientific computing workflows

Multimedia & Communication

Astrophotography
Deep sky, Milky Way & planetary imaging

Adobe Creative Tools
Illustrator, Photoshop, Blender

LaTeX
Scientific writing & publication preparation

Public Speaking & Science Communication
Outreach, lectures & astronomy communication in Malayalam & English

Key Projects

Estimation of Magnetic Field Parameter in Gamma Ray Burst Afterglows
M.Phil thesis project · IIST collaboration

Exoplanet Detection — 51 Pegasi b
Radial velocity analysis

Strömgren Sphere Estimation
HII region around massive stars · M.Sc project

ILMT FITS Web App
Flask · PostgreSQL · Telescope data pipeline

Public Engagement

200+ Public Stargazing Sessions
Schools, colleges & communities across India and Abroad

Astronomy TV Show Host
Arike Aakaasam · KITE Victers Channel (Malayalam)

Science Writing
Articles in Malayalam regional science publications

Astrophotography Workshops
Budget astrophotography & deep sky imaging

View Full Outreach Timeline →

Certifications & Training

Certifications and online courses to be listed here.

Volunteer Work

Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad
Schools, colleges & communities across India and Abroad

Shasthra Snehi
Arike Aakaasam · KITE Victers Channel (Malayalam)

LUCA-Online Magazine
Arike Aakaasam · KITE Victers Channel (Malayalam)

Amateur Astronomers Organization Kerala
Schools, colleges & communities across India and Abroad