IIT Hyderabad sets up astronomical observatory

The 14-inch telescope, with Crayford focus, and the focal length of 1650 mm, boasts of a 355 mm mirror with the optical diameter, the second largest among the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), after Kanpur.  

A large telescope facility has been established on the IIT Hyderabad campus. The 14-inch telescope, with Crayford focus, and the focal length of 1650 mm, boasts of a 355 mm mirror with the optical diameter, the second largest among the IITs, after Kanpur.  

Advanced digital camera to record images

An advanced digital camera will be used to record images and transient astronomical phenomena such as meteor showers. Though the telescope will primarily aim for the outreach and night sky observational training programmes, it has the capability to deliver research level performance, which will be explored subsequently. The project is funded by Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, and managed by Dr Mayukh Pahari, Department of Physics.  

Prof Murty said: “The enthusiasm and curiosity of young students about objects in the air is unlimited. With this large telescope, we offer them the opportunity to study celestial objects in more detail than other small telescopes commonly used for outreach programmes. Activities such as stargazing training programmes, observing astronomical transitions, working with celestial images will enhance their knowledge and enhance their sense of human connection to space. We will also ensure that students from schools and colleges in and around Hyderabad also get the benefit of this great telescope through various programmes organised by the Astronomy Club of IIT Hyderabad.” 

Due to its superior quality images, the data from the observatory may serve national and international astronomical researchers with supportive data. 

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