India Celebrates 125 Years of Solar Research with Kodaikanal Observatory Stamp

In a proud tribute to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious solar research institutions, the Department of Posts released a commemorative stamp honouring the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The release was held at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru on May 17, 2025, recognizing the observatory’s historical and scientific significance in solar astrophysics research since its establishment in 1899.

Why in News?

The 125th anniversary (Quasquicentennial) of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was celebrated starting from April 1, 2024. To commemorate this milestone, the Department of Posts issued a special stamp on May 17, 2025, celebrating the observatory’s monumental legacy in solar science and astronomy.

About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

• Established: 1 April 1899.
• Located in: Tamil Nadu, India.
• Institutional Affiliation: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Legacy: Cradle of Indian research in solar astrophysics for over a century.

Features of the Commemorative Stamp

• Displays the historic twin-domed building of the observatory.
• Right Dome: Hosts a 6-inch telescope (originally from Madras Observatory, 1850; installed at Kodaikanal in 1900).
• Left Dome: Contains an 8-inch telescope (from 1866; brought to Kodaikanal in 1930).
• Includes a recent H-alpha image of the Sun taken on May 6, 2024.
• Shows the IIA logo and a ‘Butterfly Diagram’, charting sunspot positions from 1904 to 2020.

Objective of the Stamp

• Celebrate and honour 125 years of India’s pioneering solar observations.
• Promote awareness about the contributions of Indian science to global solar research.
• Provide a philatelic tribute for collectors and space science enthusiasts.

Key Personalities Involved

• A.S. Kiran Kumar – Former ISRO Chairman and Chairperson of the Governing Council of IIA.
• S. Rajendra Kumar – Chief Post Master General, Karnataka Circle.