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Meghnad Saha

मेघनाद साहा
1893 – 1956
PhysicsAstronomy

Saha ionisation equation — reading the temperature of stars

Uttar Pradesh connection: Professor of Physics at the University of Allahabad (1923–1938), where he did much of his work

Story

Meghnad Saha formulated the Saha ionisation equation in 1920, which lets astronomers work out the temperature and composition of stars from their spectra. He founded the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics and championed river-valley planning.

Key contributions

  • Saha ionisation equation (1920), a cornerstone of astrophysics
  • Founded the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata
  • Proposed river-valley projects such as the Damodar Valley scheme

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