National Science and Research Society - NSRS

The South Asian Astrophysics summer school has officially wrapped up, and we couldn’t be prouder to call it a huge success. From parallel hands-on sessions on Galaxies, Exoplanets and Heliophysics led by passionate mentors to the public talks by experts around the globe, we truly covered it all. Out of nearly 610 applicants, only 69 were selected and what an incredible group they turned out to be. Their enthusiasm truly made this school unforgettable.

SAASS wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing team of volunteers, mentors and organizers across different countries and communities. This was the first in the series and we have already started dreaming of the next one.

We are especially grateful to our dedicated mentors:
• Mr. Khagendra Katuwal – PhD Student, New Mexico State University, USA | DKIST Ambassador
• Mr. Ezra Huscher – PhD Student, New Mexico State University, USA
• Mr. Ashok Silwal – PhD Scholar, University of Alabama in Huntsville, USA | NASA FINESST Fellow
• Mr. Asif Abbas – PhD Student, New Mexico State University, USA

And heartfelt thanks to our brilliant public speakers who inspired us with their knowledge and passion:
• Dr. James A. Klimchuk – Research Astrophysicist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, USA
• Dr. Stephanie Ho – New Mexico State University, USA
• Dr. Prajwal Niraula – Postdoctoral Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA

To everyone who believed in us, thank you. Whether you were mentoring, organizing, participating, or supporting from the sideline, we truly couldn’t have done this without you.

National Science and Research Society - NSRS@topfansKatuwal KhagendraNASA Space AlertsAshok SilwalIAU Office for Astronomy OutreachAstronomers Without BordersMSc PHYSICS 2073 B.S BATCH CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS TULeo Bhairab AleSayujya BhandariAkshat PathrikarAlan BaralRaksh*t PoudelDear -TeacherClaudia de RhamArun LoharSujan DahalSuryodaya Lower Secondary School, Dhimdhime, Gauradaha, Jhapa, NepalMSC PHYSICS PATAN 2017 BATCHNepalese Astronomers Priyank Budha

Day Five
South Asian Astrophysics Summer School 2025 – July 24

Today marked another exciting step in our journey through the cosmos. The day opened with hands-on sessions designed to build technical expertise and confidence in astrophysical data analysis.

Led by our passionate mentors and guest speakers, students participated in three focused, parallel sessions:
1.Ashok Silwal – In-situ Solar Wind Data Analysis (University of Alabama in Huntsville)
2.Ezra Houcher – Galaxy Data Analysis (New Mexico State University)
3.Asif Abbas – Exoplanet Data Analysis (New Mexico State University)

Participants continued to explore real observational datasets using Python tools, strengthening their research skills across heliophysics, galactic, and planetary sciences.

With growing curiosity and collaboration, Day Five captured the spirit of learning and discovery that defines SAASS.

Day Four
South Asian Astrophysics Summer School 2025 – July 23

The day began with a captivating public talk by Dr. Stephanie Ho, NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, titled “Galaxy Ecosystem and the Circumgalactic Medium (CGM).” In addition to exploring the dynamics of galaxies and their environments, Dr. Ho also shared valuable insights about graduate studies in astronomy, including MS/PhD programs.

Following the inspiring talk, the school continued with three parallel hands-on sessions, led by our dedicated mentors from New Mexico State University (NMSU):
1. Khagendra Katuwal – Solar Data Analysis
2. Ezra Houcher – Galaxy Data Analysis
3. Asif Abbas – Exoplanet Data Analysis

From the Sun to distant galaxies and exoplanetary systems, today’s sessions sparked curiosity and opened new windows into the universe.

Day Three
South Asian Astrophysics Summer School 2025 – July 22

Following the inspiring talk, the school progressed with three parallel hands-on sessions, led by our dedicated mentors from New Mexico State University (NMSU):
1. Khagendra Katuwal – Solar Data Analysis
2. Ezra Houcher – Galaxy Data Analysis
3. Asif Abbas – Exoplanet Data Analysis

From the Sun to distant galaxies and exoplanetary systems, today’s sessions ignited curiosity and opened new windows into the universe.