Homi J. Bhabha

30 October 1909 – 24 January 1966

Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909-1966) was an Indian nuclear physicist widely regarded as the father of the Indian nuclear programme. He made important contributions to cosmic ray physics and electron-positron scattering (Bhabha scattering), founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and served as the first chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission. He died in the crash of Air India Flight 101 on Mont Blanc in 1966.

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Life events

Born in Bombay, British India
30 October 1909

Homi Jehangir Bhabha was born into a wealthy Parsi family in Bombay (now Mumbai).

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Went to Cambridge to study at Gonville and Caius College
1927

Bhabha moved to England to study mechanical engineering at Cambridge, later switching to theoretical physics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Completed PhD in theoretical physics at Cambridge
1935

Bhabha earned his doctorate under R. H. Fowler, working on cosmic ray physics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published calculation of electron-positron scattering
1935

Bhabha derived the cross-section for electron-positron scattering, a process now known as Bhabha scattering.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Developed cascade theory of cosmic ray showers with Heitler
1937

With Walter Heitler, Bhabha formulated the theory of electron cascade showers produced by cosmic rays.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Joined the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
1939

Stranded in India by the outbreak of World War II, Bhabha joined the Indian Institute of Science under C. V. Raman, establishing a cosmic ray research unit.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
1945

With support from the Tata trusts, Bhabha founded TIFR in Bombay and became its first director.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became first chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission
1948

Bhabha led the newly created Atomic Energy Commission of India, shaping the country's nuclear energy programme.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Presided over the first UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy
1955

Bhabha served as president of the first United Nations International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in the crash of Air India Flight 101 on Mont Blanc
24 January 1966

Bhabha was killed when Air India Flight 101 crashed into Mont Blanc in the Alps while he was en route to Vienna.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓