Ashesh Prosad Mitra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 21 February 1927 |
| Died | 3 September 2007 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Alma mater | Rajabazar Science College University of Calcutta |
| Known for | Radio & Space Physics |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan, 1987 |
Ashesh Prosad Mitra FNA, FASc, FRS (21 February 1927 – 3 September 2007) was a physicist who headed the National Physics Laboratory in Delhi, India and was the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He is primarily known for his work on environmental physics.[1]
Mitra studied at the Bangabasi College, an affiliated college of the University of Calcutta. He completed his post graduation studies from the renowned Rajabazar Science College campus of same university.
He was the director of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) from 1982 to 1986 and the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) from 1986 to 1991.[2]
He died at New Delhi in September 2007.[3]
Radio & Space Physics was his area of specialization. He performed major work in the field of earth's near-space environment, through group based and space techniques. He worked on cosmic radio noise for studying the upper atmosphere led to a series of discoveries in ionosphere, solar physics and cosmic rays.
Dr Mitra is one of the acknowledged authorities on ionosphere and on some aspects of space research. His pioneering work on the use of cosmic radio noise for upper atmosphere studies resulted in a whole series of scientific discoveries in ionosphere, solar physics and cosmic rays. He has carried out comprehensive studies on the ionospheric effects of solar flares and has established one of the most extensive radio flare systems at the National Physical Laboratory. He developed an atmospheric model from observations of satellite drag and initiated new D region rocket experiments. Dr Mitra’s work on ion and neutral chemistry in the upper atmosphere, especially on the minor constituent nitric oxide, provided the basis for much of our present knowledge about the lower ionosphere. He has contributed substantially to the establishment and operation of the International Spacewarn System and the International Ursi-gramme and World Day Service.[citation needed]
Ashesh Prosad Mitra had two daughters with his wife, Sunanda, whom he married on 12 August 1956.[1]
