A Star Lost - At 84, Scientist S M Chitre Breathed His Last in Mumbai

India’s eminent astronomer and space scientist, Shashikumar M Chitre passes away at 84 in Mumbai. The globally renowned astrophysicist and mathematician, Prof. Chitre was the office mate of the legendary Stephen Hawking. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani hospital after battling brief age-related illness.

Prof. Chitre provided the first commentary during the inauguration of Nehru Planetarium in Worli on March 3, 1977.

A resident of Andheri, he is survived by his wife Suvarna, sons Yatin & Yohan and grandchildren.

His last rites were performed yesterday at Oshiwara Crematorium.

Prof. Chitre was born on May 7, 1936. He studied in Mumbai’s Elphinstone College and later resigned as a stalwart on the Indian astronomy community, particularly solar physics. He was awarded Padma Bhushan for is excellent contribution to the world of science.

Prof. Chitre’s scientific research majorly focused on solar physics, astrophysics, gravitational lensing, the Sun’s magnetic activity cycle, the solar dynamo theory and the role of neutrals in the solar atmosphere.

As per IANS news, Prof. Chitre once said that he was the office-mate of Hawking, when they both were engaged in PhD research at the University of Cambridge in 1962-1963.

He has worked with University of Leeds and later at California Institute of Technology. In 1967 he joined the TIFR and worked there till his retirement in 2001, besides serving as the visiting faculty at several top universities globally.

Prof. Chitre was later appointed on several Indian scientific committees and policy-making panels. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of UM-DAE CEBS at the University of Mumbai’s Kalina Campus, besides serving on the board of the Nehru Centre and J.N. Tata Trusts and other prestigious organizations in India and abroad for several years.

He has also the former President of the Astronomical Society of India. He harboured a deep passion for science education and outreach among the gen-next. Prof. Chitre also used to deliver lectures to the students of various schools and colleges.