“It’s all in the stars,” they say, but it is quite literally the case for Nagpur’s Malhar Kendurkar, who is simply enamoured by the world of celestial bodies, beyond the realms of mere fables and beliefs. And for his contributions to the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has recently named an asteroid after him—541801 Kendurkar! As a professional astronomer, Malhar specialises in time-domain astronomy—a branch focused on observing how astronomical objects evolve over time. He has been credited with the discovery of over 250 astronomical transient events. Additionally, he also conducts spectroscopic observations of eclipsing binary stars. These studies contribute to a broader understanding of stellar evolution and dynamics. A former student of RS Mundle School, Malhar, completed a bachelor’s degree course in physics and mathematics from the University of Northern British Columbia.

 

His tryst with astronomy began with the very first book he owned while in Class 4; it was about Space and gifted to him by his grandmother. Talking to ‘The Hitavada,’ Malhar mentions, “That initial curiosity grew over time, but it truly took shape during my first year at Shivaji Science College at Nagpur. Our Physics and Geology classes began with units focused on astronomy and astrophysics, which sparked a deeper and more focused interest in the subject.” Looking at young Malhar’s keen interest in the subject, his parents, Mithila and Raghunath Kendurkar, gifted him his first telescope in 2013.

 

His gazing into the seamless expanse up above suddenly found a new meaning. Later, he became a member of Dhruva Sky Watchers, a group of amateur astronomers. “Being part of that community gave me hands-on experience and helped solidify my decision to pursue a career in astronomy,” informs Malhar, now also the President of the Prince George Astronomical Society. But why Canada? Because the country plays a significant role in global astronomical research, says the 30-year-old. “Canada is actively involved in several high-impact international projects. The research infrastructure, collaborative opportunities, and access to world-class facilities make Canada an ideal place for advancing my work in astrophysics,” he explains. Thanks to Malhar’s extensive work, the IAU’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature formally approved naming asteroid 541801 Kendurkar (2011 YY65) after him. The asteroid orbiting around the Sun between Mars and Jupiter was discovered last year by Canadian astronomer David D Balam, Malhar’s mentor and friend. Established in 1919, the IAU is a leading international organisation for professional astronomers worldwide.

 

Reacting to the achievement, Malhar says, “It is an incredibly humbling and meaningful recognition. Professionally, it symbolises acknowledgement from the global scientific community for my contributions to astronomy. Personally, it serves as a tribute to the unwavering support of my parents, my wife Robyn, my brother Kunal, and my sister-in-law Tushima.” From turning the glossy pages of his first book to gazing endlessly into the starry night sky and now having an asteroid named after him...Malhar has come a long way. And the journey has only just begun; as for Malhar, the sky is not the limit but his beautiful world.