The history of modern astronomy in India is inextricably intertwined with the history of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. From the Madras observatory set up in 1792 to the Coronagraph launched in 2023 on board the Aditya-L1 space mission, the accomplishments of IIA span more than 230 years. The Institute currently operates five field stations spanning across India and two instruments in space. The Institute's journey through the years encapsulates the spirit of inquiry and perseverance in advancing our knowledge about the Universe that we live in, as well as the remarkable progress in technology over these centuries that has made it possible.
A few highlights across this timeline of two centuries:
- Activities commenced as part of the Madras observatory in 1792.
- The Kodaikanal Observatory completed 125 years of operations in 2024, and has one of the longest daily records of the Sun in the world.
- This observatory at Kodaikanal was reconstituted as the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in 1971, as an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
- The 1-m telescope in Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur completed 50 years of observations of the sky in 2022.
- The Himalayan Chandra Telescope located at Hanle, Ladakh, will complete 25 years since its first light in 2025.
- The upcoming COSMOS centre in Mysuru, with its unique LED Dome planetarium, will play a key role in training students in astronomy and data analysis.
As we look forward to the future, the Institute is geared to continue its exploration of the cosmos, contributing to our collective quest for knowledge, and dissemination of knowledge to the community, through ambitious endeavours and partnerships. In doing so, it not only upholds a rich legacy but also inspires a new generation of scientists to gaze skyward, in pursuit of the unknowns that lie beyond.