From Nagpur to the Cosmos: Asteroid Named in Honour of Astrophysicist Malhar Kendurkar
In a moment of pride for Nagpur and the Indian scientific community, Asteroid 541801, a shining celestial body in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, now bears the name “Kendurkar,” a rare honor awarded to Malhar Kendurkar, an astrophysicist whose journey began in the vibrant streets of Dhantoli, Nagpur. Once just a boy with a telescope and dreams, Malhar has now joined the galaxy of scientists worldwide who have been immortalized in space. This recognition marks a monumental moment not just for him, but for India’s growing footprint in the global astronomical community.Nagpur’s Zero Mile Meets Infinite MilesNagpur, often referred to as India's Zero Mile City for being the geographical center of the country, has now found a place beyond the Earth’s boundaries. With the asteroid named after one of its own, the city has bridged the gap between terrestrial pride and cosmic recognition. The asteroid, initially discovered in 2004 by Canadian astronomer Dave Balam, was recently christened “Kendurkar” by the International Astronomical Union, an institution that rarely bestows such honors. This decision acknowledges Malhar’s pioneering work in time-domain astrophysics, a field focused on the study of celestial phenomena as they evolve over time.Childhood in Dhantoli to Starry DiscoveriesMalhar’s love for astronomy was sparked early, growing up in Dhantoli, a prominent Nagpur locality. Fascinated by the Moon and Saturn, his childhood curiosity led him to Druva Skywatchers, a local astronomy group. It was this foundation in grassroots scientific exploration that shaped Malhar’s future. With guidance, passion, and familial support, he nurtured a vision that extended far beyond textbooks or classroom walls.Academic Journey: From Nagpur to Northern British ColumbiaMalhar studied at R.S. Mundle School and later completed his HSC from Shivaji Science College, Nagpur. In 2015, he moved to Canada to pursue his Bachelor of Science (Honours) in physics, mathematics, and computer science at the University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George. This academic transition not only broadened his perspective but also gave him access to global research communities, tools, and telescopes—critical elements that would later define his contributions to the field of astronomy.What is Time-Domain Astronomy?Time-domain astronomy, Malhar’s research focus, involves studying explosive, changing, or evolving events in the cosmos, such as supernovae, black holes, and tidal disruptions (where a star is consumed by a supermassive black hole). These studies help scientists better understand the age of galaxies, stellar life cycles, and even the expansion of the universe. It’s a cutting-edge field that requires precision, timing, and collaboration, combining data science and astrophysics to unravel the mysteries of our ever-changing universe. In 2018, Malhar founded the Global Supernova Search Team (GSST), a collective of international astronomers from India, Canada, France, the US, Argentina, and Spain. This group has already discovered over 250 supernovae, significantly enriching our understanding of stellar explosions.At the Observatory: Where the Stars SpeakMalhar is also a guest investigator at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, Canada, where he works with a powerful 1.8-meter telescope. Here, he tracks celestial events, searching for moments that may last only hours or days but have consequences spanning billions of years. His commitment to exploration and discovery stands as a glowing reminder that Indian talent continues to shine bright, even under foreign skies. The Kendurkar Asteroid, approximately 750 metres in diameter, is made of metallic materials and has been observed globally more than 285 times. It’s now officially catalogued and searchable under Malhar’s surname.A Family of Support and HumilityMalhar’s success, as he humbly acknowledges, isn’t his alone. “I want to thank my parents, my brother, and my wife. I do what I do because of their support.” His words underline the essential truth that behind every scientist is a circle of belief of those who uplift, encourage, and cheer from the sidelines. As India celebrates its technological leaps and space missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan, the naming of Asteroid Kendurkar adds another feather to the nation’s celestial cap. It’s a moment of pride for Nagpur, for young dreamers, and for global science. Malhar Kendurkar’s story is a stellar example of where passion, persistence, and purpose can lead, all the way from a small classroom in Nagpur to an asteroid orbiting the sun.
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