Vikram Sarabhai: Father of the Indian Space Program (1919 – 1971) Vikram Sarabhai, is one of India’s most well known physicist and space scientist. From a young age, Sarabhai had an inclination towards physics and mathematics and hence he decided to

pursue science instead of joining his family business. He finished his doctoral studies at Cambridge University in UK in the area of cosmic rays, before returning to independent India in 1947.

Vikram Sarabhai visualised a new field of research opening up in solar and interplanetary Physics. He recognised the power and importance of space technology in a developing country like India and established the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Sarabhai’s interests in space, science and technology intersected with various fields like meteorology, communication, nuclear research, exploration of natural resources etc. He was an institute builder who founded the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad to promote research in astrophysics and space sciences, and also the well known Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

Vikram Sarabhai is remembered for his work nationally and internationally. To honour his contributions to science, the International Astronomical Union named a crater in the moon (in the Sea of Serenity) after him.

As the Olympiad draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the experiences of the past week. Our hosts have shown us amazing hospitality, with opportunities to sample some of the rich and varied culture of India, its

history and natural beauty. We have seen an experimental question exploring the connections between physics and biology, and a theoretical paper drawing inspiration from the light of the sun and man-made nuclear reactors. The IPhO is a competition, searching for the best, and the winners can be rightly proud of their efforts.

Most importantly, however, has been the coming together of more than 380 young people who are enthusiastic about physics from over 80 countries. Meeting their peers from around the world will encourage them to continue physics, and to work with others around the globe. On behalf of the IPhO community, I give many thanks to our Indian friends for putting on such a successful and well-organised event.

DID YOU KNOW?The famous Dabbawalas (literally meaning one who carries a lunch-box), a group of 5,000 delivery men in Mumbai, are one of the most efficient non-computerised lunch delivering organisation in the world. The Harvard Business School Review has given them a ‘six sigma’ rating, which means that Dabbawalas make less than one error in a million

transactions! Ironically, a Bollywood movie titled “Lunchbox” was recently released worldwide, whose story is based on the consequences of an error made by the Dabbawalas!

JULY 12, 2015 8ISSUE

Temperature

A few spells of rain could occurSource: Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai

31°C / 87.8°F27°C / 80.6°FMin:

Max:

Meet Indian Physicists

“Imagination is more important than knowledge”

Editorial Team: Sugra Chunawala, Pooja Sharma, Disha Gupta, Devashree Prabhu, Manoj Nair and Adithi Muralidhar

Albert Einstein

WeatherForecast

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Public Domain

Today@IPhO

Reflecting on IPhO 2015

Closing Ceremony at IIT Bombay, 1000 hrs

* Happy * * Birthday*

Akihiro Watanabe Japan

Blaz Karner Slovenia

ReflectionsIPhO 2015 NEWSLETTER

Image Source: Joe-Zachs/ Wikimedia

WORD PYRAMID SOLUTION

Circled letters: CILEAST

Correct Answer: ELASTIC

You have 8 balls, 7 of which are identical but the 8th is slightly heavier than the rest. You also have a balance-

scale (with a platform on either side) but it has no markings

on it. Using the scale only twice, locate the ball that

is heavier.Courtesy: Gray’s Brain Teasers and Riddles - http://256.com/gray/teasers/

THINK THINK

Matthew Verdon Secretary IPhO

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