DR National Science Day is held annually on 28 February to honour and recognise the contributions of scientists to the nation’s progress. On this day in 1928, the Indian scientist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, also known as CV Raman, made a significant discovery in the science of spectroscopy that was eventually named after him, the Raman Effect. 1930 saw the awarding of the renowned Nobel Prize in Physics to CV Raman for his efforts.
Raman Effect: The phenomenon of light-scattering
The Raman Effect, also known as Raman Scattering, is the change in the wavelength of light caused by the deflection of light by molecules. A small portion of the light that emerges from a transparent sample of a chemical compound travels in the opposite direction of the incoming light beam. A small portion of this light has a wavelength that differs from that of the incident light. This is a result of the Raman Effect phenomenon.
Origin
By the age of 19, CV Raman obtained his master’s degree and established himself as a prominent scientist in India and the West. In the same year, 1921, he travelled to England for the first time. On the way back, Raman noted the Mediterranean Sea’s intense blue hue and was puzzled why it was blue rather than green. He hypothesised that the blue colour of the ocean was the consequence of light scattering by water molecules, which inspired him to research light scattering further.
Seven years later, Raman and his student KS Krishnan demonstrated through tests that the wavelength and frequency of light also change when it scatters through a transparent object.
How it is celebrated
A number of programmes are organised across the nation to commemorate National Science Day and encourage kids to pursue a career in science. In February 1987, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) also established the National Awards for Science Popularisation to recognise scientific contributions through awards.
The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) coordinates the National Science Day event.
In February 1987, DST also established the National Awards for Science Popularization to recognise exceptional scientific endeavours. Six distinct award categories are presented on National Science Day.
