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Where Curiosity Meets the Cosmos

At UPES, astronomy is more than a subject — it's a journey into the unknown. Learn how stars are born, galaxies evolve, and black holes bend the fabric of space-time. With hands-on experience using telescopes and real astronomical data, our students turn their curiosity into meaningful discovery.

✨ Astronomy & Astrophysics

A Sub-Division of the Department of Physics under the Cluster of Applied Science, School of Advanced Engineering

The Astronomy and Astrophysics division at UPES is a thriving academic platform for students with a passion for exploring the cosmos. Rooted in the fundamentals of physics and inspired by the vastness of the universe, this program offers an integrated learning experience that bridges theoretical knowledge, observational science, and data-driven astrophysical research.

We offer a rigorous yet accessible academic environment that encourages students to ask big questions — from the formation of stars and galaxies to the detection of gravitational waves and exoplanets. The program is designed to give students a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, while introducing them to the methods and tools used by astronomers and astrophysicists worldwide.

🌌 “Astronomy compels the soul to look upward and leads us from this world to another.” — Plato

Our curriculum is enriched with specialized courses in celestial mechanics, cosmology, stellar structure and evolution, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, and observational techniques. Students are also introduced to practical skills such as telescope handling, astronomical image processing, and Python-based data analysis — equipping them with both scientific literacy and technical fluency.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through workshops, sky-gazing events, lecture series, and educational expeditions to leading national facilities like ARIES, IUCAA, PRL, and the Devasthal Optical Telescope. These immersive experiences allow students to witness real-world research operations, interact with professional scientists, and gain hands-on exposure to observatory instrumentation and data workflows.

Backed by a dedicated and research-active faculty, our students are mentored to explore independent research ideas and pursue opportunities in internships, fellowships, and higher education. We foster a collaborative academic environment where interdisciplinary curiosity is celebrated and nurtured.

Whether you aspire to decode the mysteries of black holes, contribute to space missions, or simply deepen your understanding of the cosmos — our Astronomy & Astrophysics program at UPES is your gateway to the universe.

🌟 What We Offer

Leadership

Prof. Ranjeet K. Brajpuriya

Prof. Ranjeet Kumar Brajpuriya

Cluster Head, Applied Science Cluster

Prof. Ranjeet has more than 20 years of research and teaching experience. Prof. Ranjeet has undertaken post-doctoral work both in India and abroad. He is a recipient of several national and international fellowships, including the esteemed ENEA & ICTP International Research Fellowships in Italy.

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Prof. Santosh Dubey

Prof. Santosh Dubey

Program Lead, Department of Physics

Prof. Santosh Dubey completed his MS & PhD in Computational Science (Materials Science) at Florida State University, USA. He is renowned for his significant contributions to understanding radiation-materials interactions through mathematical modelling and experimentation.

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Faculty

🗞 Recent Highlights

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🌟 Join Us

Applications are open for the B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics and M.Sc. Physics programs.
Build your career in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

🔗 Learn about our academic programs

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
— Carl Sagan