Bangalore: Dibyendu Nandi of Kolkatta becomes the first space scientist from Asia-Pacific region to be honoured by the prominent American Astronomical Society (AAS), reports Asian Scientist.

Nandi, from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Kolkata has been doing extensive research on the sun and the different characteristics of solar activity, for the last many years. For his contributions, he is being honored with the Karen Harvey Prize at the 220th meeting of the AAS.

According to an official statement, the prize is in “recognition for a significant contribution to the study of the sun, early in a person’s professional career.” The award includes a check of US$1,000, which Nandi intends to contribute towards student fund.

“The main thrust of my discovery is that the sun’s memory regarding its past activity is very short. This implies that very long term forecasting of solar activity and space weather is ruled out,” said Nandi in a brief interview with ‘Asian Scientist Magazine’.

He also told the magazine that he feels really privileged being recognized by such a prestigious organization and expressed his gratitude for selecting a scientist in the Asia-Pacific region who is not residing in the US. According to him, it would strengthen the relationship between India and the U.S. in the areas of science and technology.

He completed his Ph. D. in solar physics from the Indian Institute of Physics and has worked for various NASA projects for seven years at the Montana State University in U.S. He is also a part of Aditya’s mission to the sun by ISRO.