স্বাগতম (Welcome)!

Hi there, I am Arnab Sarkar, currently a postdoctoral associate at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. I explore the cosmos through the full spectrum of light, from X-rays to radio waves. My research spans the breadth of the Universe — from massive galaxy clusters in the nearby cosmos to the earliest galaxies and quasars that formed when the Universe was still in its infancy. I earned my PhD through a joint program between the University of Kentucky and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, where I embarked on an exciting journey in astronomy research under the mentorship of Dr. Yuanyuan Su and Dr. Scott Randall.

Beyond the world of research, I find joy in cooking, traveling, gardening, and playing with my cat, Mithai. These pursuits keep me grounded while I explore the farthest reaches of our Universe.



My Research

I investigate how and when elements like hydrogen, carbon, and iron — essential for stars, planets, and life — are created and spread across the Universe. I use observations from several space-based telescopes, such as James Webb Space Telescope, X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, Chandra X-ray Observatory. I am an active member of several ongoing and upcoming telescope collaborations, including the South Pole Telescope (sub-mm), the Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite (X-ray), the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (infrared), and the New Athena X-ray Observatory (X-ray). I am a developer of CLOUDY, a leading spectral synthesis software used by astronomers to simulate how light interacts with gas in space. Find my papers here.

Early Universe and Galaxy Evolution

I study the evolution and cosmic enrichment of early galaxies.


Quasars and Broad Emission Line Regions

I study physical properties and dynamics of BLR gas using emission lines.


Clusters of Galaxies

I study growth and evolution of clusters of galaxies.

Press Releases


Grad Student Discovers Shock Wave in Merging Galaxy Clusters, Confirms a Missing Link



NASA’s Chandra Finds Galaxy Cluster Collision on a “WHIM”

Teaching

চিত্ত যেথা ভয়শূন্য, উচ্চ যেথা শির, জ্ঞান যেথা মুক্ত –– রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর
“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high,
where knowledge is free."
–– Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel Laureate, 1913)

At the University of Kentucky, I taught undergraduate physics courses as an instructor over a span of two and a half years, guiding and mentoring more than 200 students.

  • Fall 2020: General University Physics (PHY 241), Mechanics
  • Fall 2020 (TA): The Solar System (AST 191), Astronomy
  • Spring 2020: General University Physics (PHY 241), Mechanics
  • Fall 2019: General University Physics (PHY 241), Mechanics
  • Spring 2019: General University Physics (PHY 242), Electromagnetism
  • Fall 2018: General University Physics (PHY 241), Mechanics
    Some comments from my students -
    Arnab was always happy to explain difficult concepts to the whole class and he is very knowledgeable about physics. His quick and decisive nature and treating all students questions seariously.
    He was fine with spending a long time explaining things to me in office hours even when it turned out I was just missing something obvious. I loved the way he answered questions in that he was just vague enough to understand, and didn't give away all of the answers. He was very prepared, and thoroughly understood every bit of material he taught.
    He was always willing to help when asked a question, but would challenge the student to figure it out themselves rather than just give them the answer. The most helpful thing about our instructor was that he challenged us. He wanted us to think more deeply. He was very smart and knew what he was doing.

Mentoring

I've had the privilege of working with exceptional undergraduate and graduate students, supporting their growth and learning while being inspired by their dedication and curiosity.

  • Sydney Matthews (Undergraduate), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
  • Janie du Preez (Undergraduate), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
  • Mona Molham (Graduate), The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Egypt
  • Dalia Halder (Undergraduate), Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India

Contact Me

I’m happy to discuss astrophysics with you. Please feel free to reach out.

  • Address

    70 Vassar St. 37-582H, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
  • Email

    arnabsar@mit.edu