About me…
🖖Welcome to my blog, I’m Anitha Raj, a researcher in Astronomy and Planetary Science.
Research Experience ✨
- ESO Studentship, European Southern Observatory (Garching, Germany): During my studentship at ESO, I actively contributed to the project “Hunting for Habitable Near Super-Earths.” This observational study is dedicated to identifying potentially habitable exoplanets in the solar neighborhood, particularly Near Super-Earths (NSEs) rocky planets slightly larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune that orbit within the habitable zones of K-type stars. Unlike M-dwarf stars, which pose challenges such as intense stellar activity and tidal locking, K-type stars offer a more favorable balance between habitability and observational feasibility. This study employs high-precision radial velocity (RV) measurements using ESPRESSO on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile.
- PhD Research, Universidad de Atacama, Chile: Since I began my PhD in 2021, my primary research has focused on the atmospheric characterization of hot-Jupiters, particularly analyzing clouds, hazes, and volatile species across a wavelength range from near-ultraviolet to mid-infrared. I work with both archival data and fresh observational data through telescope proposals, applying advanced techniques in transmission photometry and spectroscopy to deepen our understanding of these distant planetary atmospheres.
- Exoplanet Orbital Decay Studies: Another key component of my thesis involves studying ultra-short period exoplanets that may be experiencing orbital decay due to tidal interactions with their host stars. My work includes analyzing orbital ephemeris and tracking potential shifts in orbital periods. This area of research is essential to understanding the dynamical evolution of these close-in exoplanets.
- Field Experience at La Silla Observatory: In 2022, I joined the MINDSTEp program and began working with the Danish telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory, where I contribute to microlensing searches and exoplanet characterization efforts. My involvement includes both remote observations and on-site work at La Silla, allowing me hands-on experience with state-of-the-art observational techniques.
Achievements:
- Scholarships and Grants: Over the years, I have received several prestigious grants and scholarships that have supported my research and conference participation.
- In 2022, I was awarded the IAU grant to attend the CPS II Symposium in Belgium and an EAS travel grant to attend the EAS meeting in Poland.
- I also received a lodging grant to participate in the Sagan Workshop in California.
- In 2023, I was honored with the Adelina Gutiérrez Becca in Chile, which has supported my continued engagement in conferences and academic networking.
- I received a 12-month ESO scholarship in 2024.
- Academic Awards: My dedication to academic excellence was recognized early in my career when I received the Sir C. V. Raman Award in 2017, acknowledging my outstanding performance during my undergraduate studies in physics. This award remains a significant milestone in my academic journey.
Science Communication and Blogging:
Since 2016, I have been writing on this blog, Stardustwaves, where I share insights related to astronomy and planetary science. This platform has allowed me to engage with a broad audience, making complex scientific topics accessible and inspiring. My blog reflects my passion for science communication and my commitment to sharing the wonders of space and scientific discovery in a way that resonates with others.
Participated in Outreach activities in
Copiapó, Chile with Observatorio
Anderómeda. In addition, outreach with Centro de Astronomia Andromeda in Freirina (Atacama region) was featured in the Diario newspaper (July – October, 2023).
Scientific Assistant for ESO
proposals for the period P115
(September, 2024).
Presented an outreach talk on ‘Exoplanets and the Possibility of Life’ at Dr. MGR University, Chennai, India (June 2025).
Some of the questions I love to think about…🤔
▪️Are we alone?
▪️What if I am in a Matrix?
▪️If Multiverse is real, what would my other versions do right now?
❤️Some things I love
JWST, Hubble Deep Field🛰️ Light-curves📉 Extremophiles 🦠
What I’m curious about…
Exoplanetary atmospheres
Photometric and Spectroscopic method
Planetary Science & Astrobiology
Observational Astronomy
StarDustWaves 