Kodaikanal Solar Observatory | entrance fee.timings,photos,established
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory :
Kodaikanal Solar
Observatory of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics is located in the
beautiful Palani range of hills in Southern India. It was established in 1899
as a Solar Physics Observatory and all the activities of the Madras Observatory
were shifted to Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal Observatory completed 100 years in 1999.
The observatory is currently managed by Indian Institute
of Astrophysics, IIAP. Earlier the observatory was known as Solar Physics
Observatory that later converted to its current name. The longitudinal setting
of this scientific abode makes it one of a kind spot to examine solar behavior.
The observatory houses the most comprehensive compilation
of solar data, from as far as the 19th century. Furthermore, the place has an
unusual geography that makes it especially the perfect spot to experience
proper cosmic observations. At present, it features all the modern imaging
apparatus and is the must-visit location to observe the celestial events.
History of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory :
So, since then, it drove the status of the Kodaikanal
Solar Observatory as a foremost solar physics lab in the nation.
Initially stationed in Chennai, the chief objective of
the development of the observatory was to introduce equipment and devices in a
tactical environment.
These devices allowed for the sight of the moon, stars,
and eclipses of Jupiter's satellites. It was also a reference area for the
introductory study of the Earth's longitudinal lines. A vital solar marvel
recognized as the Evershed effect was discovered here first in January 1909.
Telescopes and Instruments at KSO :
1. 20 cm Refractor : The use of a 20 cm refractor found at the Observatory is for cometary and occultation observations. Visitors can occasionally use it to view the beautiful night sky.
2. H-alpha Telescope : This is an objective lens of 20 cm doublet and gives an f/7.9 beam that was installed at KSO in October 2014 . The telescope is capable of making the full-disk image of the Sun and magnified view of the partial disk of the Sun.
3. Full-disk Photoheliograph : Obtained in 1850 and remodeled in 1898 by Grubb, it is in use to obtain 20 cm white light images of the Sun daily.
4. Spectrograph : The back-end instrument at the telescope that makes a high resolution set up for solar spectroscopy. It also forms polarization measurements in sunspot areas.
5. WARM Telescope : WARM or White light Active Region Monitor creates the full-disk observations of the Sun, the photosphere, and chromosphere.
6. Twin Telescope : These are two
telescopes mounted on a single equatorial mount. Since February 2008, it
started making Sun's observations in white-light and Ca-K wavelength.
Kodaikanal Radio Spectrograph :
These were the earliest solar radio observations in
India. A 20 feet paraboloid for observations at frequencies in the decimeter
and meter wavelength range was set up on an equatorial mount in 1961. Work on
an interferometric aerial for scintillation studies at 60, 100 & 200 MHz
simultaneously was also started during this period
Under the
Kodaikanal - Yale Project, recording of radio radiation from Jupiter at a
frequency of 22.2 MHz was started using a phase switching interferometerThe
custom-built 3 GHz wavelength radio receiver from the Commonwealth Scientific
and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO),
Australia was put to use in 1965. Mounted on a 2-meter
paraboloid, it was used for regular solar patrol. During the late 1960s and
early 1970s, small-sized antenna arrays operating at 25 MHz were used to obtain
information on the radio bursts from the outer solar corona with high temporal
and spectral resolution
During the period 2014-2016, a suite of new facilities
for routine observations of the Sun in Halpha, Ca II K and G-band have been
installed in KSO. In view of this and with the motive to carry out coordinated
multi-wavelength observations of the Sun from the KSO,
A new wideband (35-85 MHz) radio spectrograph is being
operated in KSO since 2018. Note that though similar low-frequency solar radio
spectrographs are operational elsewhere also, the new set-up in KSO offers the
unique advantage to quickly organize and carry out high cadence observations of
the Sun with the other optical observing facilities in KSO whenever a radio
transient is observed. The details about the new radio spectrograph can be
found in Indrajit.V.Barve et al., Solar Phys., 2021,
Astronomy Museum :
A live solar image and the Fraunhofer spectrum can be
seen here depending on the observing conditions. It is open for all seven days
including Govt. Holidays between 9:30 to 12:00 hrs and 14:00 to 16:30 hrs.
Night Skywatch is also available from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Highlights of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory :
The feature of this Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is the
live sun-oriented image and sun's noticeable vivid spectrum called Fraunhofer
range. Further, when you go to the on-grounds space science exhibition hall,
you can see sun-based models and pictures kept in plain view.
There is also a library that presents a rich collection
of critical documents as well as the galactic report. Besides, visitors will
witness vast compositions on Solar and Solar-Terrestrial Physics used for
references and studies.
Tips For Visiting Kodaikanal Solar Observatory :
1. Ensure that the observatory is available for visiting
before heading out as it is open to the public at specific timings only. It may
be best to visit between 10:00 to 12:00 in the morning when the skies are
clear, and the sun is visible.
2. Cameras are not allowed inside the premises, so you
may have to make arrangements to keep the camera outside.
Best Time To Visit Solar Observatory :
The best time to visit Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is
mainly in the morning time, i.e., from 10 to 12. At this time, visitors can
witness the clear skies along with the visible Sun. Thus, giving an ideal
opportunity to admire the wonders of the sky in the most pristine manner.
Also, although one can visit the KSO year-round though
the best time to visit here is considered during the celestial events. It is
the moment when visitors can seize the spectacle of the wonders occurring in
the sky.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Timings : Monday - Saturday between 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm
(Closed on Sunday and Govt.Holidays)
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Entry fee : Adults & Kids - INR 20 per person, Senior Citizens –
Free
Address : The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is found Near Govt Rose
Garden at Observatory Rd, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624103.
Visitor's Facility : The
observatory offers the educational tour and night-time telescopic sky observing
facility. It also has an astronomical library and hosts specialized
university-level courses, workshops, and seminars.
Parking Facility : The parking premise
is only 1 km away from KSO. One can park the vehicle there and walk further on
a well-maintained road to reach the museum.
How To Reach Kodaikanal Solar Observatory :
From Kodaikanal bus stand : The observatory
is just about 4 km away from the charming town of Kodaikanal. You can find
regular buses to from Kodaikanal to reach Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. You can
also book a seat in private bus, take a taxi, or hire a cab to reach the
location.
One can choose either choose from private luxury buses or affordable state government buses running from Kodaikanal bus stand to KSO. You will be dropped at the main entrance and then walk further one km to land at the observatory.
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