Dr. Salim G. Ansari

Welcome

Welcome to my personal website. I am a retired astrophysicist who worked at the European Space Agency (ESA) from March 1991 until November 2022. During my career I was involved in scientific data services, web technologies, science communication, education, and space science missions.

Today I continue my passion for astronomy through research, astrophotography, science education, and investigations into the role of magnetic fields during star formation.

Major Contributions

Helped establish the ViZieR Catalogue Service, one of the world's most important astronomical catalogue services. Read about its history on Wikipedia.

Participated in setting up ESA's Science & Technology Website, which continues to provide information about ESA's scientific missions and discoveries.

Was involved in the early stages of the Gaia Mission, one of the most ambitious astronomical surveys ever undertaken.

Research & Education

My scientific publications and research activities can be found on ResearchGate .

I currently serve as Chair of NAEC Austria , promoting astronomy education and outreach throughout Austria.

Current Research: MAGI

I am currently working on an exciting research topic involving star formation within nearby molecular clouds.

Visit the MAGI Project.

The project investigates the relationship between:

Young Stellar Object (YSO) proper motions
Gas-density filaments inside molecular clouds
Magnetic field orientations derived from polarization measurements

By combining Gaia stellar motions, Herschel density maps and Planck magnetic field measurements, I am investigating how these phenomena interact during the star-formation process.

Ultimately, this work seeks a deeper understanding of the forces governing stellar birth and their possible relationship to the mysterious phenomenon we call gravitation.

Books

I have written several books on astrophotography, smart telescopes and image processing in multiple languages. I am also the author of the novel Adventures of a Golf Ball, following the journey of a golf ball named Flogi around the world.

Visit my Amazon Author Page .

Social Media

Contact

Feel free to contact me regarding astronomy, astrophotography, science education, ESA-related activities, or my current MAGI research.

📧 Email: ansarisg@gmail.com