For the ultimate ‘Star Wars’, visit India’s popular astronomical observatories

The universe is under no obligation to make sense to us, humans. And this very fact has been making men curious from time immemorial. In fact, Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five Jantar Mantars in total, which were built in Jaipur, New Delhi, Varanasi, Mathura and Ujjain. These structures were completed between 1724 and 1735.

Mankind has always been fascinated to discover the unknown, and in this quest, a lot of breakthroughs and discoveries have been made. The inquisitiveness motivated men to use and develop technology, which aided him in exploring the celestial bodies. Now, there are numerous modern observatories all around the world, which are a unique combination of high-end technology and conventional astronomy knowledge.
It is the unending spirit to unlock the secrets of universe that we have been able to come so far. And in this aspect, India does not lack behind. In fact, significant effort and time have been spent to set up such high-end observatories and build an entire generation of astronomers. These observatories are built in such a manner that they also give access to common man to experience the brilliance of a starry and bright night sky.

If you are inclined or want to know more about the planetary bodies, visit these astronomical observatories in India.

Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle

The Indian Astronomical Observatory sits at a height of 15,000 ft at Hanle in Ladakh, and is the second highest observatory in the world. This observatory has, therefore, been a matter of pride for Indian scientists. There is very little artificial light and because this region boasts of clear and cloudless nights almost throughout the year, these conditions make this spot an ideal location for astronomical observation.
Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Bengaluru operate this observatory, and houses the 2 m class Chandra telescope. In fact, the Hanle village in Ladakh also hosts a High Altitude gamma ray observatory apart from the Chandra Observatory.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Kodaikanal

The solar observatory established in 1899 in picturesque Kodaikanal is perhaps the oldest observatory in the world. Run by Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Tamil Nadu, this observatory has in store more than 100 years of data on the Sun and its influence on Earth and surrounding space. It is interesting to note that the same family for generations has been taking care of preserving those daily records.

Udaipur Solar Observatory, Udaipur

This Udaipur Observatory proudly sits on an island in the Fateh Sagar Lake. As the observatory is located amid a large mass of water, the air turbulence that happens because of ground heating by the rays of sun is decreased. Thus, the quality of image and their accuracy is far better than its other contemporaries. The Udaipur Solar Observatory has been built and designed on the lines of the solar observatory at the Big Bear Lake in Southern California.
Also, being one of the six Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), this observatory is world’s second (the first being in China) to possess the unique multi-application solar telescope (MAST) for detailed study of eruptions and solar flares.

Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur
This is another observatory in India that is being operated and owned by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). It houses the Vainu Bappu Telescope, which boasted of being the Asia’s largest telescope until another telescope of 3.6 m was set up in 2016 in Nainital’s ARIES observatory.
Located at Kavalur, near Vaniyambadi, it was named in the honour of M.K. Vainu Bappu (former director of Kodaikanal Observatory and a famous astronomer).
ARIES Observatory, Nainital
Indian Astronomy marked its major achievement in 2016 after it unveiled Asia’s one-of-a-kind and the largest optical telescope at Devasthal, near Nainital. The primary mirror of the optical telescope is 3.6 m in diameter, which further help the scientists in their research of high-energy radiations, star structures, properties of star clusters and exoplanets.

The 3.6 Devasthal telescope built by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), also operates another 1.3 m telescope at the same location.