I am Dr. Yogesh Chandra Joshi,
scientist at Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, India

About Me

Since 1997, I have been doing research at ARIES, initially as a Research Scholar, then as a Research Associate, and currently as a Scientist. My primary research focuses on Galactic astronomy and the study of nearby galaxies within the Local Group. Within the realm of optical astronomy, my scientific interests predominantly revolve around time domain analysis, specifically extrasolar planets, variable stars, and star clusters. Additionally, I hold a keen interest in Galactic archaeology. More recently, my work has expanded to include the investigation of star formation dynamics in selected nearby galaxies.

In 2004, I received my Ph.D. in gravitational lensing, specializing in the study of microlensing events toward the M31 galaxy through pixel analysis techniques. From 2004 to 2006, as a postdoctoral fellow at TIFR, Mumbai, I pursued research in Galactic archaeology, and focusing on open star clusters within the Milky Way. My second postdoctoral tenure during 2006-2009, with the SuperWASP group at Queen’s University Belfast, UK, was dedicated to the study of extrasolar planets. During this period, I co-authored several papers reporting the discovery of exoplanets orbiting bright, nearby stars.

Since 2009, I have held a permanent faculty position at ARIES, Nainital, currently serving as Scientist 'F' (Professor). I have authored 77 peer-reviewed papers, including 26 as the lead author, accumulating over 4200 citations and achieving a Google Scholar H-Index of 35. Additionally, I have presented 26 short papers at national and international conferences. Noticeable milestones in my scientific career include the "Detection of the first Microlensing event from India," lead in the discovery paper on "Exoplanet WASP-14b," and research on the "Determination of the Sun's displacement from the Galactic Plane."

Alongside my research, I actively contribute to scientific communication within the astronomical community and to science popularization among the general public. I am deeply committed to inspiring bright young students by introducing them to the latest developments in astronomy and astrophysics. I guide them in learning modern techniques through short-term research projects and online interactions, with the aim of deepening their understanding and fostering meaningful scientific contributions in the field.