Eastern India’s First Astronomical Observatory Inaugurated

The Union Ministry of Science and Technology's Department of Science and Technology has launched Eastern India's inaugural astronomical observatory on Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot region of Purulia district, West Bengal.

The Department of Science and Technology, under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, has unveiled Eastern India's first astronomical observatory at Panchet Hill, located in the Garpanchkot region of Purulia district, West Bengal. This marks a significant milestone in India's astronomical research efforts. It becomes the sixth such observatory in the country, joining existing ones in Ladakh, Nainital, Mount Abu, Girbani Hills, and Kavalur.

Named in Honor of Satyendra Nath Bose The new observatory is named after the esteemed physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, recognizing his monumental contributions to science, particularly in quantum mechanics and his collaboration with Albert Einstein on Bose-Einstein statistics. The observatory has been set up by the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), an eminent institution in India dedicated to promoting fundamental scientific research.

Strategic Partnership for Research and Management The Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences has partnered with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University in Purulia through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to effectively manage the observatory and foster the sharing of scientific resources, providing a platform for students and researchers to engage in hands-on studies in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences.

Role of the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences Founded in 1986 by the Department of Science and Technology, the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata has been a leading institution in basic scientific research and development, playing a crucial role in the creation of this new observatory.

Development and Key Features of the Observatory Construction of the observatory began in 2012 and spans a 4.9-acre area. Located at 600 meters above sea level, it sits at a longitude of approximately 86° East, a unique location that fills a critical gap in astronomical research. The observatory is equipped with a 14-inch telescope, with plans to install a larger 1-meter telescope in the near future. These instruments will facilitate advanced research in Astronomy and related fields.

Ideal Location for Astronomical Research The Garpanchkot Hills offer a pristine, pollution-free environment far from urban light interference, providing ideal conditions for high-quality astronomical observations. This site ensures accurate data collection, which is vital for advancing space science.

Contribution to Weather Science In addition to astronomical research, the observatory includes a cutting-edge automatic weather forecasting center. This facility will gather data on rainfall, weather patterns, and atmospheric conditions, contributing significantly to weather forecasting and atmospheric research.

Impact on Scientific Research and Global Positioning The new observatory is set to enhance space science research, particularly in astronomy, and provide vital resources for both students and professionals in the field. It strengthens India’s position in the global scientific community, supporting international collaboration in space exploration and astrophysics.

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