Lujendra Ojha

My work treats other planets as natural laboratories, enabling us to test hypotheses about planetary processes and habitability that are largely derived from studies of Earth. This research not only advances planetary science but also has far-reaching implications for humanity. It challenges us to think beyond the confines of our planet, to develop new technologies and techniques for exploration. By comparing Earth’s processes to those of other worlds, we gain valuable insights into the fragility and uniqueness of our own planet, fostering a deeper appreciation for the need to protect it.

Beyond expanding our understanding of planets, I’d like to believe that my research also has an immediate societal impact. The fields of astronomy and planetary science offer a unique perspective that humbles us with the vastness of the universe, encourages introspection about our place in the cosmos, and inspires curiosity in the natural world. Despite their profound impact, these crucial scientific disciplines were regrettably absent from the educational curriculum in my home country of Nepal. I was not aware of any Nepali astronomers or planetary scientists, nor was it evident to me that one could make a living studying astronomy and planetary sciences. Although I recognize that my scientific research and publications may not directly impact the lives of people in Nepal or anywhere else in the world, I firmly believe that my experiences can inspire more people from Nepal to pursue STEM education.

Growing up in Nepal, my father’s expeditions to the remote reaches of the Himalayas epitomized the essence of exploration for me. Armed with a rock hammer and Brunton compass, we’d traverse rugged terrain of Nepal in old Land Rovers equipped with winches. These month-long geological journeys remain etched in my memory.

While this hands-on, boots-on-the-ground approach to exploration is deeply ingrained in me, replicating it on other planets is currently beyond our technological reach. However, my work on other planets, such as Mars, pushes the boundaries of traditional exploration by relying on advanced tools and instruments that operate across the electromagnetic spectrum—ranging from gamma rays to visible light, infrared, radar, and even geopotential fields like gravity and magnetism — which enable us to not only explore the surface of Mars but also its atmosphere and the deep interior. As a co-investigator on the HiRISE camera, I am also privileged to be part of a team capturing the highest-resolution images of Mars, paving the way for transformative discoveries.

In recent decades, we’ve discovered thousands of planets in other star systems. While these distant worlds remain inaccessible to us physically, we are at the dawn of exploring them in innovative ways. With limited data, I approach the exploration of these exoplanets by creating computer models that simulate their environments and fit the sparse observations we currently have.

For me, exploration means venturing into the unknown with an insatiable curiosity, regardless of whether in-situ or from a distance. From the remote Himalayas to the red planet, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to humanity’s ongoing quest to understand the universe.