Message from Division Chair
Despite many centuries of research, physics is still a vast field with numerous specialized disciplines
dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. By integrating knowledge from various
branches, we hope to achieve deeper insights into both known and unknown phenomena. Under
this division, we seek to bring together researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds and
invite them to fundamentally develop a deeper understanding and provide new insights, including,
but not limited to, the following disciplines at the 2025 ANPA conference platform:
• Observational, Computational, and High Energy Astrophysics
• Evolution and Formation of Stars, Galaxies, and Celestial Objects
• Cosmology, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy
• Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
• Heliophysics and Planetary Science
• Solar and Magnetospheric Physics
• Space Physics and Aeronomy
• Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Important Links
View Presentation Schedule
Conference Timeline
Invited Speaker
Exploring Ionospheric Perturbations Induced by Anthropogenic Activities and Solar Eclipse Events
This presentation explores the dynamic responses of the ionosphere to significant anthropogenic and natural phenomena, specifically focusing on the ionospheric perturbations induced by the August 4, 2020, Beirut explosion and the July 2, 2019, solar eclipse. Utilizing ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations, we analyze the total electron content (TEC) variations resulting from these events. The Beirut explosion generated acoustic gravity waves that were detected in the ionosphere approximately 10 minutes post-event, exhibiting a maximum amplitude of 0.06 TECU and propagating at about 750 m/s. This analysis highlights the coupling of lower and upper atmospheric processes in response to anthropogenic explosions. While the solar eclipse led to a significant enhancement of TEC at the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest, with a 57% increase during totality and a concurrent 35% decrease in the sub-EIA regions. Enhanced vertical plasma drift and fountain effects were observed, illustrating complex interactions between solar radiation and ionospheric dynamics during eclipses. Both studies underscore the importance of understanding ionospheric behavior during extreme events, which can provide critical insights into the coupling processes between the atmosphere and space weather phenomena.
Division Schedule
Please look below for detailed schedule.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0002 Presenting Author: Olusegun Jonah (Invited) Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: SRI International, Menlo Park, CA Title: Exploring Ionospheric Perturbations Induced by Anthropogenic Activities and Solar Eclipse Events Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Abstract is here…..
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0005 Presenting Author: Aayush Gautam Co-Authors: Dr. Juan Pablo Farias; Professor Jonathan C. Tan Presenter's Affiliation: University of Virginia Title: Gradual Star Cluster Formation: Stellar Multiplicity & Crowding Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Most stars are born in the crowded environments of gradually forming star clusters. These young stars are often observed to be in triple or higher-order multiple systems. Could such high-order multiple systems form dynamically during star cluster formation? Here, we use N-body simulations of gradual star cluster formation to explore this question. These N-body simulations of a gradually forming star cluster in an evolving analytic gas potential are parameterized by the mass of star-forming clump Mcl, surface density of parent cloud Σcl and star formation efficiency per freefall time εff. We track the triples and higher-order multiple systems that form dynamically in our simulations. We start with 50% primordial binaries and identify the dynamically formed multiple systems which are bound and stable. We find significant fractions of higher-order multiples can form dynamically around the most massive stars, but not around lower-mass primaries.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0007 Presenting Author: Saurav Aryal Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder Title: Solar Eclipse effects in the Thermosphere Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract NASA's Global Observation of Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission has observed multiple solar eclipse's in FUV from a geo-stationary orbit above Brazil. The spectral FUV observation at OI 135.6 nm and N2 LBH band emissions during the daytime can be used to infer thermospheric composition and temperature near 150 km altitude. We present results from the observed eclipses since 2019 and compare them with expected model results.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0008 Presenting Author: Sujan Prasad Gautam Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Department of Space Science & CSPAR, University of Alabama in Huntsville Title: Influence of interplanetary shocks on the local properties of turbulent solar wind Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Interplanetary shocks are crucial drivers of turbulence generation and amplification in the heliosphere that significantly impact the local properties of turbulent solar wind plasma. This study investigates the relationship between interplanetary shocks and turbulence properties using in-situ measurements from NASA’s WIND spacecraft. We analyze key turbulence parameters, including total turbulent energy, cascade rates, magnetic compressibility, spectral index, normalized cross-helicity, residual energy, and shock characteristics such as shock normal angle, Mach number, plasma beta, compression ratio, and propagation speed. By systematically correlating these turbulence quantities with shock parameters, we identify how shock-driven processes modulate energy transfer, spectral scaling, and compressibility effects in the downstream and upstream regions. Our findings reveal distinct relationships between shock strength and turbulence evolution, with implications for understanding energy dissipation, particle acceleration, and the role of shocks in structuring solar wind turbulence.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N00011 Presenting Author: Nagendra Dhakal Co-Authors: R. E. Peale; C. J. Fredricksen; Cameron Kelley; Tommy Deyo; Mikhil Gotmare; Javier Ramos-Salamo; Phillip Metzger; Adrienne Dove Presenter's Affiliation: University of Central Florida Title: Particle distributions from images of laser propagation decay Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract We are developing an instrument to determine particle size distributions in dust clouds with a method based on analysis of light propagation decay in images of scattered laser beams. Laboratory experiments, calculations, and tethered-rocket flight testing are used to validate the method and hardware. An application is to investigate lunar- lander plume-surface interactions that create broad particle-size distributions with complex dynamics.
Keywords: light scattering, particle size, lunar lander, plume-surface interactions, rocket ejecta.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N00012 Presenting Author: Sanjib K C Co-Authors: Sanjib K C; Viacheslav M Sadykov Presenter's Affiliation: Georgia State University Title: Leveraging Machine Learning for Enhanced Prediction of Radiation Exposure at Aviation Altitudes Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Radiation exposure at aviation altitudes is a critical health concern for aircrews and astronauts, as prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to deleterious long-term health effects. Although physics-based models predict radiation levels at aviation altitudes, they struggle to capture the dynamic and transient nature of radiation exposure, leading to suboptimal performance. To enhance the current methodologies, machine learning (ML) models are explored as an alternative to improve radiation predictive accuracy. In this study, we leverage ML-ready datasets from the Radiation Data Portal to train supervised learning models capable of capturing non-linear patterns in radiation measurements. Preliminary results show that XGBoost outperforms physics-based models such as NAIRAS and CARI-7, achieving a mean squared error (MSE) of 13.52 (μSv/hr)^2, compared to 16.43 (μSv/hr)^2 for the physics-based NAIRS model. These findings suggest that machine learning models, particularly XGBoost, offer a promising solution to improve radiation prediction accuracy at aviation altitudes.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N00013 Presenting Author: Basanta Kumar Rajbanshi Co-Authors: Ram Gopal Singh; Bed Raj KC Presenter's Affiliation: SHRI RAMSWAROOP MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY, Devaroad-Lucknow, Barabanki, India Title: Comparative Evaluation of Empirical Models for Solar Energy Estimation in the Eastern Mid-Hill, Dhankuta, Nepal Location: Virtual Presentation Show/Hide Abstract Precise estimation of global solar radiation is critical for the optimal design, sizing, and performance assessment of solar energy systems worldwide. However, in Nepal, such data remains scarce across numerous locations due to the high costs associated with advanced measurement techniques. This study investigates the applicability and accuracy of different empirical approaches to predict daily global solar radiation using factors like the number of sunshine hours, air temperature, and relative humidity, specifically in the eastern mid-hill region of Dhankuta. (26.983°N, 87.346°E, 1192 m elevation).
This study, conducted over 2021–2022, evaluates the performance of various empirical models for estimating global solar radiation (GSR) based on sunshine duration, temperature, and relative humidity using regression analysis and statistical indicators such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), Mean Percentage Error (MPE), and Coefficient of Determination (R²). Model G, incorporating maximum temperature and relative humidity, demonstrated superior accuracy with the lowest Root Mean Square Error and highest Coefficient of Determination (R² = 0.6368). The derived empirical constants for Model G are: a = –0.1976, b = 0.37824, c = 0.0209, and d = – 0.00057, offering a reliable basis for GSR prediction in similar geographic regions of Nepal.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0009 Presenting Author: Madhu Sudan Paudel Co-Authors: Basu Dev Ghimire; Narayan Prasad Chapagain Presenter's Affiliation: Central Department of Physics, IoST, TU, Nepal Title: Seismo-Ionospheric Coupling of Two Shallow and Moderate Earthquakes (M6.4) in Indonesia in 2024 Observed via TEC Analysis Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract Abstract
This study investigates seismo-ionospheric coupling phenomena associated with two moderate earthquakes (Mw 6.4) that occurred in Indonesia in 2024. The first event took place on March 22 near Paciran (5.875°S, 112.365°E) at a depth of 9.5 km, and the second on April 9 near Tobelo (2.698°N, 127.062°E) at a depth of 22.0 km. Ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) variations were analyzed using GNSS data from permanent ground stations BNOA and BTNG, provided by UNAVCO. A running-quartile method was applied to determine the upper and lower bounds of TEC variations. For the Paciran earthquake, anomalous TEC signals were detected 4–20 days prior to the event. Similarly, for the Tobelo earthquake, anomalies were observed 13–14 days before the event. To validate these findings, Global Ionospheric Map (GIM) data from the International GNSS Service (IGS) were examined, which revealed enhanced TEC over the respective epicentral regions on the identified anomalous days. The study discusses possible physical mechanisms responsible for these pre-seismic ionospheric perturbations.
Keywords: Seismo-ionospheric coupling, Total Electron Content, GNSS, ionospheric anomalies, Mw 6.4 earthquake, Indonesia
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0003 Presenting Author: Manjeet Kunwar Co-Authors: Nabin Bhusal ; Manil kathiwada; Niraj Dhital Presenter's Affiliation: Central Department of Physics ,TU Title: Optimize cosmological parameters to fit large-scale structure observations of dark matter distribution. Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract We optimize cosmological parameters to achieve the best fit between theoretical models and large-scale structure observations of dark matter distribution. Using constraints on the matter density parameter (Ωₘ) and the fluctuation amplitude (σ₈) from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Planck mission, we refine parameter estimation within the ΛCDM framework. Additionally, we explore model extensions, including wCDM, massive neutrinos, and modified gravity, to improve consistency with observational data. To quantify potential tensions between DES and Planck results, we analyze the S₈ parameter, defined as S8=σ8Ωm/0.3S8​=σ8​Ωm​/0.3, to assess deviations and optimize cosmological fits.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0004 Presenting Author: Primos Khatiwoda Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Independent Researcher Title: Hypothesis on Blackholes as Dimensional Portals and Information Preservation Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract Background: Black holes are traditionally viewed as cosmic entities from which nothing can escape, leading to the notion that information
is lost when it crosses their event horizons. This idea is challenged by the information paradox, which raises questions about the preservation
of information in light of quantum mechanics.
Objective: This manuscript aims to propose a new hypothesis that redefines the nature of black holes by suggesting they function as
dimensional portals, preserving information instead of destroying it.
Methods: A mathematical model is introduced, featuring a teleportation function, T(D), that describes how information transforms when
moving from our three-dimensional space into a higher-dimensional framework.
Results: The proposed hypothesis aligns with the principles of quantum mechanics, suggesting that information is retained in a different
dimension and may enhance our understanding of black hole thermodynamics, including concepts like Hawking radiation and entropy.
Conclusion: The idea of black holes as dimensional portals offers a fresh perspective on the information paradox and presents new avenues
for future research in both theoretical and observational physics.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N00010 Presenting Author: Anu Aryal Co-Authors: nan Presenter's Affiliation: Central Department of Physics, T.U Title: A study on quantum theory of consciousness to understand the very origin of mass. Location: In-Person Presentation, CDP Show/Hide Abstract There are many unsolved mysteries of the universe—such as its expansion, the debated nature of space-time, and the origin of the very first mass. The beauty of physics lies in the freedom that it offers researchers to explore these questions with creativity. One emerging field is the quantum theory of consciousness, which takes analytical, theoretical, mathematical, and philosophical approaches to understand the universe from a unique perspective. Quantum field theory, for instance, describes how different fields give rise to different particles—such as the Higgs boson arising from the Higgs field—providing insight into the origin of mass from the field itself. The study of the quantum theory of consciousness may offer a new lens through which to comprehend the nature of reality itself. This study is especially vital, as it not only seeks to explain the nature of reality but also considers the observer who perceives it. Since space-time forms the framework within which nearly all physical events occur, incorporating consciousness into this framework could deepen our understanding of existence. This kind of new study holds an enormous potentiality to unlock new perspectives on black holes, dark matter, and more.
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Abstract Number: ANPA2025-N0006 Presenting Author: Poshan Belbase Co-Authors: Dr. Gangkai Poh; Dr. Gaun Le; Dr. Xochitl Blanco Cano; Dr. Yuxi Chen Presenter's Affiliation: Catholic University Of America Title: Unveiling the Nature of 3-Second ULF Waves in Earth’s Foreshock Region Location: In-Person Presentation, Fairmont Show/Hide Abstract Ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves, typically ranging from ~1 mHz to 1 Hz in magnetospheric physics, play a vital role in space plasma dynamics, especially in the Earth's foreshock region upstream of the bow shock. Among them, a class of ULF waves with a period of approximately 3 seconds has garnered growing interest due to their distinguished characteristics and largely unexplored generation mechanisms. First detected in ISEE magnetometer data, these waves are typically right-hand polarized, nearly circular in the spacecraft frame, and occur in high plasma beta environments, where thermal pressure dominates over magnetic pressure. These waves can exist in different regions of the foreshock where other waves can also exist. When 3-second waves appear in regions with a stable magnetic field, they are typically accompanied by ion beams reflected from the Earth’s bow shock, whereas in areas with a more irregular magnetic background, the associated ion distributions tend to be more isotropic. These waves are also sometimes observed to be superimposed on lower frequency waves with a wave period of ~30-second.
Our study conducts a comprehensive statistical analysis of ULF waves with a time period around 3 seconds (frequency ~ 2-4 HZ) using 10 years of MMS field and particle data. We identified wave events using spectral wavelet analysis technique and minimum variance analysis on the magnetic field measurements to determine the wave frequency and polarization. Multi-spacecraft timing methods are employed to derive the wave propagation directions and its phase velocity in the plasma rest frame. We also analyzed the high resolution ion velocity distribution functions to characterize the suprathermal (i.e. particles with energies higher than the energies of solar wind particles) ion population during these 3-s wave events, which are then used as inputs for the wave dispersion solver to identify the plasma instability responsible for generating these plasma waves.
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