The Lonely Road of Science: The Life of S. Chandrasekhar

Author: Subrahmanyam C. Vally
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book tells the story of Chandra, an Indian-American astrophysicist and Nobel laureate in Physics (1910-1995). The writing style allows readers to get as close to the real Chandra as possible. The biographer, Professor Subrahmanyam Vally, who is also of Indian descent, is a descendant and admirer of Chandra. With admiration, he visited Chandra multiple times. Through extensive and thought-provoking conversations, as well as Chandra's papers and letters, Vally uses a witty and fluent style to trace the footsteps and anecdotes of Chandra's life at different stages, with countless. The biography introduces how Chandra, under the influence of his uncle, the Nobel laureate Raman, was inspired from a young age to dedicate himself to science. It also details the fierce debate between Chandra and his mentor, Eddington, over the theory of white dwarfs. Due to Eddington's strong rejection, the "Chandrasekhar Limit" (the upper mass limit of white dwarfs) was considered incorrect and abandoned, only to be recognized years later. This is a little-known story. The biography also recounts how Chandra helped the Astrophysical Journal grow from a university publication into a world-renowned academic journal, as well as the touching story of his six-year correspondence with Larisa, which, despite setbacks, ultimately led to their marriage. Chandra devoted his entire life to scientific research, facing various difficulties such as racial discrimination and ridicule, but these did not make him give up. His perseverance is deeply moving, and he was a hidden and talented scientist.