An Indian researcher working in Japan has named a newly found large galaxy structure after Loktak Lake in Manipur to highlight the northeastern state’s place in the universe.
Dr. Ronaldo Laishram led an international team while serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Observations relied on the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii and the James Webb Space Telescope.
The project began in October 2024 as part of ongoing work and was published this month in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, Dr. Laishram told PTI.
He selected the name immediately after the discovery to honor his home state. Loktak Lake forms a central element of Manipur’s identity and supports local communities.
Other names tied to Manipur’s heritage were reviewed, yet the lake’s linked features best matched the four galaxy concentrations forming one system. An earlier aerial image of the lake reinforced the choice.
The lake ranks as the largest freshwater body in northeast India and sustains thousands of fishermen. It also contains the nation’s sole floating national park, home to the sangai deer.
The findings show that galaxy surroundings already shaped development 12.6 billion years ago, when the universe was roughly 1.2 billion years old.
Dr. Laishram, from Khangabok in Thoubal district, graduated in computer science and engineering before completing master’s and doctoral studies in astronomy and astrophysics at Tohoku University in Japan. His interest in the night sky started in childhood.
He helped establish the Manipur Astronomical Society in 2025 to connect astronomy enthusiasts and researchers.
