In News:

New observatory at remote Purulia district West Bengal is expected to contribute significantly to Astrophysics.

Key Highlights:

Location and Significance:

• Established by: S.N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India.
• Location: The observatory is situated at Panchet Hill, in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district, West Bengal, at an elevation of 600 meters above ground level.
• Longitude Gap: Positioned at a longitude of approximately 86° E, this observatory fills a critical longitudinal gap in global astronomical observation networks. There are very few observatories along this longitude, making it strategically important for observing transient astronomical phenomena that last from minutes to hours.
• Global Impact: This location will allow for unique contributions to global astrophysical research, especially in observing transient events, which require observatories spread across all global longitudes.

Technological and Educational Role:

• The observatory is equipped with a 14-inch telescope for scientific observations.
• It will serve as a training ground for students and researchers, helping them to handle telescopes, record astronomical data, and engage in research.
• The observatory aims to foster national and international collaborations in astronomical research, furthering India’s contributions to the field.

Collaborations and Ecosystem Development:

• MOU with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University: The observatory will be run jointly with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University, sharing resources and responsibilities. The collaboration promises to bring scientific and educational advancements to Purulia, a district traditionally considered backward.
• The establishment of the observatory is expected to boost the local ecosystem, creating a space for scientific engagement and inspiring students in the region.

Research and Contributions:

• The research team, from the Department of Astrophysics at SNBCBS, contributed to the conceptualization, site characterization, and installation of the telescope.
• Their efforts ensure the observatory will be capable of high-quality scientific observations, especially with regard to weather parameters and astronomical seeing conditions.

Future Prospects:

• Scientists emphasized that the observatory will significantly contribute to the global body of knowledge in observational astronomy.
• Also highlighted the potential of the observatory to create a scientific ecosystem in the region.
• The observatory will also serve as a source of inspiration for students in Purulia and provide a much-needed boost to local education in the fields of science and astrophysics.