Dharanesh Palaniappan

Curriculum Vitae | Academic & Research Record

Research Profile

Final-year M.Sc. Physics student conducting observational and data-driven research in solar and heliospheric physics. Experienced in analyzing SDO/AIA and SDO/HMI observations. Research interests include solar physics, heliophysics, and astronomical data analysis.

Manuscripts & Preprints

Multi-Instrument Analysis of NOAA AR 12781: Coupling Surface Evolution of the AR with Its In-Situ Solar Wind Signatures 2026
Palaniappan, D. & Katuwal, K. (2026) | First-Author Manuscript Under Review
Preliminary Analysis of a Potential Asteroid from the IASC Campaign Using Pan-STARRS Data 2025
Palaniappan, D. (2025)

Education

Madras Christian College (University of Madras) Jun 2025 – May 2027 (Expected)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics | CGPA: 7.55/10 (till semester 2) | Chennai, India
Madras Christian College (University of Madras) Jul 2022 – Apr 2025
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics | CGPA: 8.06/10 | Chennai, India

Research Projects

Multi-Observable Characterization of Solar ARs, CHs, and the QS In Preparation
  • Developing and testing a Python/SunPy pipeline to analyze SDO/AIA and SDO/HMI observations.
  • Comparing coronal emission, magnetic-field and flux distributions, and velocity distributions across active regions, coronal holes, and quiet-Sun regions.
Morphological Analysis of a Galaxy IUCAA Workshop
  • Analyzed HST FITS images using SAOImage DS9 and constructed a growth curve from background-subtracted cumulative flux.
  • Estimated an angular radius of approximately 2.4 arcsec and a physical radius of approximately 15.3 kpc.
  • Calculated photometric properties: Apparent Magnitude ≈ 21.06 and Absolute Magnitude ≈ -21.39.
Analysis of 501 Stars and Their Exoplanetary Systems Independent Work
  • Analyzed Kepler and TESS light curves for 501 stars selected from the MAST database using Lightkurve.
  • Searched for transit-like signals and compared candidates with confirmed exoplanet systems using the NASA Exoplanet Archive.
Research Internship: Modern Materials and Devices IMMD, Chennai
  • Gained hands-on experience in nanomaterial synthesis and crystal growth methods.
  • Analyzed spectral datasets (XRD, FT-IR, UV-DRS, NIR) and evaluated electrochemical performance (CV, GCD).
  • Used OriginPro for scientific visualization, curve fitting, and multi-peak analysis.

Technical Skills

Summer Schools & Workshops

The South Asian Astrophysics Summer School (SAASS) Jul 2025
  • Analyzed real-time solar data using both remote and in situ measurement techniques.
  • Worked with data from the Parker Solar Probe, HMI, and AIA instruments.
Intro2Astro Workshop Sep 2025
  • Received introductory training in Python and astronomical data analysis using real observational data.
  • Learned about research and career opportunities in astronomy.
Sagan Summer Workshop Jul 2025
  • Received training in exoplanet detection and characterization, including light-curve analysis, transit methods, and statistical tools.

Leadership & Observational Experience

Citizen Scientist | International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) Feb 2025 – Mar 2026
  • Analyzed astronomical images via Astrometrica to detect asteroids for NASA-affiliated citizen science initiatives.
  • Refined practical skills in astrometry, data analysis, and data reduction.
Secretary | B.M. Arthur Astro-Ephemeris Club (MCC) Jul 2023 – Apr 2025
  • Organized and led campus astronomy activities, stargazing workshops, and celestial-event viewings.
  • Managed setup, alignment, and operation of Celestron systems and associated control software.
Observatory Volunteer & Assistant | Devadas Observatory 2022 – 2025
  • Assisted observatory staff with telescope handling, routine maintenance, and practical night-sky navigation.
  • Operated telescopes, trained peers, and guided more than 100 visitors during public observing sessions.

Honors & Awards

International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) 2023
  • Earned Silver Honor in an international astronomy competition recognizing analytical and problem-solving skills in astrophysics.

Selected Completed Courses