The Department of Science and Technology, under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, has inaugurated the first astronomical observatory in Eastern India atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot area of Purulia district, West Bengal. This marks an important milestone in the advancement of astronomical research in India. It is the sixth astronomical observatory in the country, following observatories in locations such as Ladakh, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Mount Abu (Rajasthan), Girbani Hills (Pune), and Kavalur (Tamil Nadu).
Naming the Observatory after Satyendra Nath Bose
The observatory established in Garpanchkot Hills has been named after the renowned physicist and scientist Satyendra Nath Bose, in honor of his invaluable contributions to science. Bose is best known for his work in the field of quantum mechanics and his collaboration with Albert Einstein in developing Bose-Einstein statistics. The observatory has been set up by the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), a premier scientific research institution in India dedicated to promoting basic science research and development.
Strategic Collaboration for Effective Management
The Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University in Purulia. The partnership aims to manage the observatory and facilitate the sharing of scientific resources. The collaboration will provide a unique opportunity for students and researchers to engage in hands-on research in the fields of Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences.
The Role of Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences
The Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences was established by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in 1986. Based in Kolkata, West Bengal, the centre is a leading institution focused on research and development in basic sciences. It has made significant contributions to the field and is instrumental in the establishment of the new observatory in Purulia.
Observatory’s Development and Features
The construction of the observatory began in 2012, and it has been developed on an expansive area of 4.9 acres of land. The observatory is situated at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, with coordinates located at a longitude of approximately 86° East, making it one of the few observatories in the world to be placed along this longitude. This strategic location is significant because there are very few observatories along the 86° East longitude, which extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to Antarctica in the south. The observatory is expected to fill a critical gap in astronomical research along this region.
Currently, the observatory is equipped with a 14-inch diameter telescope, and plans are underway to install a larger 1-meter diameter telescope in the near future. These advanced instruments will aid in astronomical observations, allowing scientists and students to conduct basic research in fields such as Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences.
An Environmentally Ideal Location
The Garpanchkot Hills is a non-polluted area that is far removed from city lights, providing an ideal environment for astronomical observations. The location ensures that the readings are accurate and free from light pollution, which often hampers astronomical research in urban areas. This environmentally pristine location will play a significant role in advancing space science research.
Contribution to Weather Forecasting
Alongside the astronomical observatory, a state-of-the-art automatic weather forecast centre has been set up. This centre will play an essential role in measuring rainfall, weather patterns, and other critical atmospheric parameters. The data collected from this centre will not only assist in weather forecasting but will also be an important resource for atmospheric science research.
Potential Impact on Scientific Research
This new observatory is expected to revolutionize the field of space sciences in the region, particularly astronomical research. By providing cutting-edge tools for both students and researchers, the observatory will contribute significantly to India’s space research capabilities. It is anticipated that the observatory will facilitate a deeper understanding of the universe and contribute to important discoveries in the realm of astronomy.
Moreover, the establishment of this observatory underscores India’s growing focus on strengthening its position in the global astronomy and space science community. It is a step forward in making India a major player in the field of scientific research, as it enhances both national and international collaboration in space exploration and astrophysics.
Summary of the News
Aspect | Details |
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Why in News | The Satyendra Nath Bose Astronomical Observatory, located atop Panchet Hill in Purulia district, West Bengal, has been inaugurated. This is the first astronomical observatory in Eastern India and the sixth in India. |
Inauguration Date | The observatory was inaugurated by the Department of Science and Technology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology. |
Named After | The observatory is named after Satyendra Nath Bose, a prominent scientist known for his work in quantum mechanics and Bose-Einstein statistics. |
Location | The observatory is situated in the Garpanchkot area of Purulia district, West Bengal, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. It is located in an unpolluted area away from city lights, ideal for astronomical observations. |
Key Features | The observatory currently has a 14-inch diameter telescope, with plans to install a 1-meter diameter telescope soon. It is positioned at 86° East longitude, a unique location with few other observatories along this meridian, which extends from the Arctic Ocean to Antarctica. |
Purpose | The observatory will support research in astronomy, astrophysics, and atmospheric sciences. An automatic weather forecast centre has also been established nearby for rainfall measurement and other meteorological data. |
Collaborations | The Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata, established the observatory and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University in Purulia for joint operations and resource sharing. |
Project Timeline | The construction of the observatory started in 2012, and it has been set up on a 4.9-acre land. |
Institutional Background | The Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences was established by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in 1986, and it is a pioneer in scientific research in basic sciences. |
Global Impact | The observatory will help fill the gap along the 86° East longitude and advance global research in space sciences. |