How Divij Found His Passion for Astronomy

Becoming an astronomer

November 5, 2013. I still remember the blazing rockets firing into the thick smoke, the tensed scientific community, and India, which wanted to make a history book for the first time in Astronomy. For me, this special day marked the launch of the Mars Orbital Mission and the day I set my ambition. This event marked India’s entry into the cosmos and set me on a path to explore the vastness of space and its mysteries. For many people, astronomy appears to be little more than looking through a telescope. Still, for many other people, including myself, this is one of the many activities that can help you understand the universe from its birth to the death of an entire galaxy. It does not take long for an interest in a field of study to develop into a lifetime passion; perhaps that moment of fascination drove me to astronomy in the first place. Imagine a vast majority of the people working in astronomy; these people are all ultimately connected through a passion and drive to figure out the mysteries of the universe, and they spend the rest of their lives working. As a result, becoming an astronomer or an astrophysicist becomes one of the utmost endurance and persistence, accompanied by the ability to seek out knowledge in otherwise impossible ways. To this end, there is a methodology for making scientific progress where asking questions is necessary.

Early Interests: A Spark for the Stars

I started contemplating the stars at a young age and how beautiful it would be to witness the colors and patterns in a clear, dark sky. I often sat on the roof of my mother’s car, staring up at the stars, wondering what lay beyond. Something about the vastness of space fascinated me, even though I didn’t have a telescope or advanced equipment. My love for stargazing was simple, but it planted the first seeds of my passion for astronomy. However, my interest took a new twist after watching the Mars Orbital Mission by India in 2013. It was awe-inspiring to see rockets take off into the sky, and knowing India was making great strides in exploring outer space made a whole amount of difference. I realized something that day: all these major events were something that I, too, could be a part of. That was when my fascination with the stars transformed into a focused passion for astronomy. From then on, I immersed myself in books, documentaries, and anything that could bring me closer to understanding the universe. As a child, I constantly asked questions, from the science of black holes to the possibility of life on other planets, and I knew that one day, I wanted to contribute to unraveling the mysteries of space. 

Getting Started in Astronomy: The First Steps

But the moment I started changing my course of study and going into the depths of knowledge about astronomy, I understood that my curiosity alone was insufficient. It had to be backed up by some fundamentals. First, I got hold of several books, beginning with Sagan and Šhroking. I was captivated because how they were described was quite appealing and straightforward. Of all the novels, Sagan’s Cosmos probably impacted me the most because he managed to portray the dull aspects of space exploration in a more positive light. Apart from books, I also attempted to mix my knowledge with watching documentaries and other forms of media. Educational resource sites of NASA, Shiksha Gagan of ISRO, and many other scientific resources made me aware of what kind of work and discoveries were being made then. Through these, I first came across the ideas of space ‘stuff’ and space ‘activities’ and began to grasp their fundamental scientific principles. Equally important, I was determined to see astronomy as something real by looking at stars. I would spend several nights peering at the sky, trying to locate the different sets of stars and various other planets and stars with the help of a telescope in school. A blend of the theoretical aspects and actual work in its observation made me value the universe even more, and my desire to understand it deepened. As a teenager, my science teacher gifted me the book, “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry” by Neil Degrasse Tyson. This was my first step into the complex and challenging side of astronomy and astrophysics. Initially, I thought this would scare my intrigue and curiosity away, but it was the opposite. Then, I started watching the series “The Cosmos,” a revamp of Sagan’s cosmos, where I cleared out the main concepts and understood the crux of astronomy.

The Turning Point: Deepening My Knowledge

As I learned more about astronomy, what was once an interest became love. Rather than just looking at the stars, I wanted to explore more about them. I dug deep into the texts and methods, focusing on the physics of stars, galaxies, and the universe. This change was accompanied by a growing understanding that astronomy was not a hobby; I wanted to make a career in it. I got practical education by subscribing to special courses on the ISRO and MITxOnline websites, which enabled me to acquire more knowledge in astrophysics, cosmology, and observational techniques. Such tools improved my grasp of the universe and the place I belong—the scientific one. In addition to my formal studies, I used additional resources—books, the internet, and experts—to catch up with the constantly growing star. With every new fact, I wanted even more to become an astronomer and help humanity learn more about space and our universe. Developing my hobbies was no longer about getting educated; it was about education in use and refining our understanding of the world through new knowledge.

Overcoming Challenges: Persevering in the Search for Answers

Pursuing my dream of becoming an astronomer has been filled with wonder and challenges. The field’s competitive nature meant consistently proving myself academically and in research environments where every step demands precision and creativity. One of the most demanding moments came when I balanced a rigorous internship with my CBSE board exams—a test of time management and focus. While my peers devoted all their energy to exam preparation, I was grappling with deadlines for my project on Indian weather prediction using VOLMIP CMIP-6 models.

There were also times when the abstract nature of astronomical concepts felt overwhelming, and finding practical applications for such knowledge was daunting. However, I learned to break down complex problems into manageable parts, often turning to mentors or online resources for guidance.

Becoming an Astronomer: The Path to Professionalism

By the time I reached high school, it was clear that the mysteries of the cosmos were not just a fascination but a calling.

I formalized this decision by immersing myself in STEM-related subjects, excelling in physics and mathematics, and actively seeking opportunities to deepen my knowledge. A pivotal moment came when I secured an internship at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. I contributed to a project predicting Indian weather patterns influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of science to solve real-world problems and sharpened my research skills.

Beyond academics, I participated in astronomy workshops, science fairs, and debates, honing my ability to communicate complex ideas—an invaluable skill. Despite balancing an intensive internship, achieving a 98.4% aggregate in my CBSE board exams marked a significant milestone. Each step, from mastering theoretical concepts to applying them practically, has been a testament to my commitment to becoming an astronomer and contributing meaningfully to our understanding of the universe.

The Role of Astronomy Enthusiasts in His Journey

Connecting with other astronomy enthusiasts has been one of the most enriching aspects of my journey. Early on, I realized that the vastness of the universe is best explored not in solitude but through shared curiosity and collaboration. One of the first groups I joined was the school’s astronomy club, where we spent countless evenings observing celestial events like meteor showers and eclipses. Sharing those experiences with like-minded individuals enhanced my practical knowledge and strengthened my resolve to delve deeper into the field. Online forums and social media groups became my go-to for engaging with astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. Through these platforms, I gained exposure to groundbreaking research, participated in debates about space exploration, and received guidance from more experienced members.

Check out our blogs: Divij’s Path to STEM Education

Advice for Aspiring Astronomers

To anyone embarking on the exhilarating journey into astronomy, my advice is simple: stay curious, remain persistent, and never stop exploring. The universe is vast, and so is the knowledge waiting to be uncovered. Begin with the simple things—look up at the stars, marvel at the beauty of the night sky, and let your curiosity guide you to ask questions. The path may seem daunting initially, but every small discovery you make will reinforce your passion.

Dive into books, documentaries, or online resources that ignite your imagination. Don’t shy away from challenges—whether it’s understanding complex theories or tackling difficult questions. It’s through perseverance that you’ll uncover the answers that fascinate you. Find like-minded people—join clubs, attend workshops, or engage in online forums—because sharing ideas and learning from others will expand your perspective.

Most importantly, remember that every great astronomer started where you are now: with a deep sense of wonder. Whether exploring distant galaxies or understanding the universe’s physics, your passion for the stars can take you further than you imagine. Keep learning, stay patient, and let your love for the cosmos light your way.

Conclusion

My journey into astronomy has blended curiosity, learning, and persistence. What started as a fascination with the stars became a dedicated career. Through challenges and growth, I’ve learned that pursuing your passion can lead to amazing opportunities. For anyone starting their own journey in astronomy, my advice is to stay curious, keep exploring, and embrace the endless possibilities in the field.

Latest Blogs

offline course

Offline Workshops: Showcase Your Skills

Offline workshops and initiatives were the pedestal to showcase my skills and knowledge I had gained in the subject after online courses, reading books, and building my skills through other platforms. These experiences not only helped me grow individually but also allowed me to create a social impact in meaningful

stem education program

Online Courses: A Digital Path in my Journey of Knowledge

Online courses from various sources like Coursera, MIT OpenCourseWare and Indian Space Research Organization were a stepping stone into gaining the knowledge and stem skills required for my future. Let me pen down some of my experiences in detail: If you want to look at more online courses I have

career path in science fields

Divij’s Perspective on Career Options After 12th Science

Introduction The field of science is a source of numerous professional career paths appropriate for a broad range of interests and aptitudes and can be combined into interdisciplinary disciplines. Science students are uniquely positioned to explore numerous paths, from traditional roles to emerging fields driven by technological and societal advancements–sometimes