The longest known insect migration: Secrets that Natural flyers hold for an Aerospace Engineer
Pantala flavescens, a dragonfly species, undertakes a remarkable multi-generational transoceanic migration spanning 14,000–18,000 km between India and Africa. Despite its small size, it can sustain 90 hours of flight at 4.5 m/s. Using Dijkstra’s algorithm with energetic and wind compensation models, researchers mapped migration routes from 2002 to 2007, highlighting the crucial role of winds like the Somali Jet. Stopovers in Maldives and Seychelles are needed on the return trip. This study aligns with observational data and raises the broader question of whether natural flyers can inspire aerospace engineering, leading to insights in bioinspiration and biomimetics. Dr. Sandeep Saha, Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kharagpur was the speaker of the event held on 29th July, 2025.
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Mode:In-Person