TITLE : Theoretical interpretation of the observed large scale anisotropies
ABSTRACT :
There currently exist many observations that suggest a violation of the cosmological principle. These include dipole in radio polarizations, alignment of CMB quadrupole and octopole, excess dipole in matter distribution, CMB hemispherical anisotropy etc. I will propose a physical mechanism for these observations. An interesting possibility is that some of these arise from an early pre-inflationary phase of cosmic evolution during which the Universe is not expected to display isotropy and homogeneity. I will review our recent theoretical work, which attempts to explain the hemispherical anisotropy in terms of this model.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER :
Prof. Pankaj Jain is Professor Emeritus at IIT Kanpur in the Department of Space, Planetary and Astronomical Sciences & Engineering (SPASE). He holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Particle Physics from Syracuse University, USA (1988) and has had a distinguished academic career spanning over three decades, including positions at MIT (USA), the University of Kansas (USA), West Virginia University (USA) and the University of Oklahoma (USA) before joining the physics department at IIT Kanpur in 1995.
His research spans elementary particle physics, cosmology, radio and X-ray astronomy, ultra-high energy cosmic rays, and low energy nuclear reactions. He has authored more than 150 publications in reputed journals. Prof. Jain has served in several leadership roles, including as the founding head of the department of SPASE at IIT Kanpur, and is the current chairperson of the Square Kilometre Array India Consortium, which represents the Indian participation in the Square Kilometre Array, a major international astronomical observatory.
MEETING DETAILS :
Joining Link: https://meet.google.com/toe-dxzc-afd
Speaker: Prof. Pankaj Jain, Professor Emeritus, Department of Space, Planetary and Astronomical Sciences & Engineering (SPASE), IIT Kanpur
Venue: A4 Conference Room, South Campus, IIT Mandi
Date and Time: June 11, 2026, Thursday at 4:00 pm