Dr. K.M.V. Apparao (born 1933), a scientist at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, made a significant discovery in 1961 when he identified an isotope of helium in cosmic rays.

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles from outer space that continuously bombard Earth’s atmosphere.

Dr. Apparao’s discovery helped in understanding the composition and origin of cosmic rays.

The identification of a helium isotope in cosmic rays provided insight into nuclear reactions occurring in space, especially in stars and supernova explosions.

His work contributed to advancements in astroparticle physics and space science, influencing later research on cosmic ray interactions with Earth’s atmosphere.

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) has been a key player in cosmic ray studies since the 1950s.

Under the guidance of Homi Bhabha, TIFR developed balloon-based and ground-based experiments to study high-energy cosmic radiation.

Dr. Apparao’s findings were part of India’s broader efforts to explore high-energy astrophysics.