The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is a premier national research institute that focuses on forefront research problems in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and related areas. The institute with many pioneering efforts and achievements traces its origin back to the observatory set up in 1786 at Madras. The observatory from the year 1792 began to formally function at its Nungambakkam premises as the Madras Observatory and in 1899, the Observatory was moved to Kodaikanal. On 1st April 1971, the Astrophysical Observatory at Kodaikanal became an autonomous society, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The Institute as an autonomous body will complete 50 years on 1st April 2021. To celebrate this occasion, a series of events are planned in this Golden Jubilee year, starting from the Founder’s day on August 10, 2020, till 1st April 2021 to showcase the journey and achievements of the last 50 years.

From inception to a premier institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Commemorative Lecture Series 4 Title: Reminiscences, Anecdotes, and Oral History: Fifty years of Indian Institute of Astrophysics Date & Time: 23th September 2020 : 4PM | Watch on YouTube Speaker: Prof. Ram Sagar Abstract: The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has contributed enormously to the growth of multi-wavelength observational facilities in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics. In this commemorative lecture on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebration of IIA particular emphasis will be given to the establishment of the Vainu Bappu Observatory and the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Use of these as well as other observational facilities for the study of star clusters as a tool for stellar evolution and star formation will be highlighted in the talk.

IIA50 Logo was released by Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST during the IIA Founder's day, Monday 10 August 2020 Download logo: 600X600 pixels | 200X200 pixels | 125X125 pixels | 84X84 pixels Watch the logo launch video