Science & Tech 26 May 2026

Indian Researcher Names Newly Discovered Galaxy Structure After Manipur’s Loktak Lake

Indian researcher Dr. Ronaldo Laishram named a newly discovered galaxy structure after Manipur’s Loktak Lake, studied using the Subaru and James Webb telescopes.

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An Indian researcher based in Japan has named a newly discovered large structure of galaxies after Loktak Lake in Manipur. Dr. Ronaldo Laishram, who led an international research team, said he wanted to “immortalise” the northeastern state’s identity in the cosmos.

Dr. Laishram works as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). The galaxy structure was studied using the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii and the James Webb Space Telescope. The research began around October 2024 and the findings were published this month in the journal “Astrophysical Journal Letters”.

Large structures of galaxies are among the biggest formations in the universe. Studying them helps scientists understand how the universe is organised and how galaxies form and group together over time.

Naming the structure after Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeast India and famous for its floating islands, links India’s natural heritage with a discovery in deep space. It is also a proud moment for Indian scientists working in global research teams.

Key Points to Remember

  • Dr. Ronaldo Laishram named a galaxy structure after Loktak Lake, Manipur
  • He is a postdoctoral researcher at NAOJ, Japan
  • Studied using the Subaru Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope
  • Findings published in “Astrophysical Journal Letters”
  • Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in northeast India

Exam Relevance

Relevant for UPSC and SSC General Awareness (Science & Technology, Geography — Loktak Lake) and current affairs.

UPSC SSC
loktak-lake astronomy galaxy manipur james-webb-telescope