A Journey of Human Advancement
Credit by
som.tyagi.21@gmail.com
I’m Som Tyagi, a senior at Lebanon Trail High School with a deep fascination for how planets form, evolve, and connect to the larger systems around them. My curiosity spans planetary geology, orbital mechanics, and interplanetary mission design—not just as academic interests, but as ways to better understand our place in the universe. I’m consistently intrigued by the mysterious, be it discovering how star ingredients shape planetary landscapes or dreaming about one day exploring into foreign worlds.
Most thrilling for me is sharing that sense of wonder with others. As a practicing member of the Texas Astronomical Society, I’ve coordinated telescope distributions to kids who might otherwise have limited exposure to the night sky. I believe science must be for everyone, and I’m most passionate about opening it up more and making it more inspiring and inclusive. I’m also working on dark sky conservation and hope to visit remote places to capture photos of the stars.
Published Author
Published and authored scholarly work in student-led journals and academic literature. One article discussed the impact of supernovae on surrounding planetary objects, analyzing how radiation and shockwaves influence planetary atmospheres and orbital dynamics. Another article utilized unsupervised machine learning algorithms to uncover latent relationships between stellar properties and the composition of planets orbiting them—searching for possible explanatory variables of exoplanet habitability and formation models.
Dark Site Chaser
Take frequent trips to far-off, light-pollution-free locations to observe and document celestial phenomena such as meteor showers, eclipses, and deep-sky events. Practical exposure has enhanced observing and technical know-how in equal measure, including astrophotography, sky quality assessment, and real-time logging of astronomical data under unobstructed skies.
Moonshot Architect
Served as a member of a 5-member, interdisciplinary team on Moonshot, a mission architecture project that aimed to establish a sustainable presence on the moon. The project included several mentorship sessions with NASA engineers and focused on habitat, propulsion logistics, and life-support systems, ultimately contributing to lunar surface mission proposals and long-term survival of astronauts. Member, Texas Astronomical Society & Volunteer Outreach
Regular member of the Texas Astronomical Society, both in science and community outreach events. Participated as a volunteer in various public stargazing events and education programs, helping to provide telescopes to needy children and give them astronomy. These were activities that emphasized fairness in science education and encouraged interest in space at an early age among children with little STEM exposure.
A Journey of Human Advancement
som.tyagi.21@gmail.com
