Posted by Michael Kirk | February 14, 2026 | AAS/SPD news

The 2026 Karen Harvey Prize is awarded to Dr. Lakshmi Pradeep Chitta of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in recognition of his exceptional early-career achievements in unraveling the magnetic coupling between the solar surface and atmosphere. Dr. Chitta’s innovative work blending high-resolution observations with theoretical analysis has yielded new insights into the physical mechanisms that energize and structure the solar atmosphere. His collaborative spirit and commitment to community service exemplify the values of this prize.

spd.aas.org/Press