GIFT THE STARS
About Gift The Stars
Where astronomy expertise meets artistic expression
Meet the Founder
Mayukh Bagchi
PhD Candidate in Astronomy
My journey into the cosmos began long before I started my master's in astronomy. As a child, I was captivated by the night sky and the infinite possibilities it represented.
Today, as a PhD student, I specialize in developing balloon-borne VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) telescopes used to study distant black holes and other astronomical phenomena. These cutting-edge instruments allow us to observe the universe with unprecedented resolution and clarity.
Gift The Stars was born from my desire to share the wonder of astronomy with everyone. I believe that the night sky connects us all—across time and space—and tells a unique story for each person on Earth. By creating personalized star charts that capture specific moments in the cosmos, I can help people celebrate their most meaningful connections.
Each star chart we create is backed by precise astronomical data and my expertise in celestial mechanics, ensuring that your gift isn't just beautiful—it's scientifically accurate.
Research & Expertise
My academic work influences every aspect of Gift The Stars
Balloon-Borne VLBI Telescopes
I design and build high-frequency telescopes carried by stratospheric balloons that float above 99% of Earth's atmosphere. These instruments participate in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) networks, effectively creating telescope arrays with the resolving power of Earth-sized telescopes. By placing these instruments on balloons, we can achieve exceptional clarity without the interference of Earth's atmosphere.
Black Hole Imaging
My research focuses on understanding supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies through high-resolution VLBI observations. By connecting balloon-borne instruments to ground-based radio telescope arrays, we can achieve unprecedented imaging capabilities similar to the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) that captured the first image of a black hole. This work helps us understand the physics of these cosmic giants and their influence on galactic evolution.
Our Mission
"To connect people with the cosmos through scientifically accurate, personalized star charts that celebrate life's most meaningful moments."
At Gift The Stars, we believe that the night sky has been humanity's constant companion throughout history. The same stars that guided ancient navigators, inspired poets, and sparked scientific curiosity continue to shine down on us today.
When you commemorate a special occasion with a star chart, you're not just capturing a beautiful moment—you're connecting that moment to something eternal and vast. Whether it's a birth, anniversary, first date, or memorial, we help you preserve that connection with precision and artistry.
Every chart we create is a marriage of rigorous astronomical science and elegant design. We use advanced celestial mechanics to calculate the exact positions of stars, planets, and constellations visible from any location on Earth at any point in time. This commitment to accuracy is what sets our star charts apart and makes them meaningful keepsakes.