Entry Fees :- No Entry Fees
Timing :- 10:00 am – 09.00 pm
Year of Establishment :- 1981
Closed :- On Sunday
Overview
Sun, moon, and stars together complete our solar system. Scientists from all over the planet study these elements day and night to predict, promote, and enlighten us with the workings of the universe. The study of space is a difficult task that requires high precision and an ideal location to build a solar observatory, which is a rare occurrence in the current times. However, we are fortunate to have a Solar Observatory in the Udaipur region of Rajasthan.
Udaipur Solar Observatory is a perfect place to study solar physics in India. The Solar Observatory is situated in the middle of the water on an island which enhances its favorability. Since the air turbulence is less on the island in comparison to ground, it is easier to acquire sharp images of the solar system via modern telescopes.
Architecture
Udaipur Solar Observatory is built right in the middle of Lake Fateh Sagar on a small islet. The architects and space scientists have carefully chosen this location due to the presence of an abundant source of water nearby. It helps in encompassing the telescopes to monitor the amount of heating of the surface layers, which directly affects the quality of the solar images. The presence of a water body reduces the air mass and enhances the image clarity and caliber, offering a sharpened form of images.
History
Udaipur Solar Observatory was built under the command of Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar in the year 1975 under the keen supervision of the Vedshala Trust of Ahmedabad. In the year 1981, the Udaipur Solar Observatory was taken by the government association called Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad to carry on the proceedings of the Department of Space.
Thing To Do
Razdow Telescope :- The Razdow telescope is 6 foot in height used to determine the full disk H- alpha synoptic observations of the activities in space.
Scale Vector Magnetograph :- The Scale Vector Magnetograph was developed and installed inhouse in the year 2007 to track the Sun and minimize the seeing error caused in the polarimetry. This is mounted on a German Equatorial mount to ensure clarity.
Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG) Telescope:-GONG Telescope is the most significant achievement of USO as there are only 5 GONG telescopes all over the globe. The function of GONG is to automatically monitor the Sun for 24 hours with an intention to probe into the solar region and also derive the digital velocity images of the Sun after every 60 seconds. GONG Telescope has a promising future with more fundamental and precise details about the solar interior and general astrophysics.
Multi-Application Solar Telescope (MAST):-MAST is one of the largest telescopes in India. This unique telescope began the complex study of solar activities in the year 2015. The scientists have predicted that MAST has the unique ability to seek a massive amount of rare astronomical data. The critical function of MAST is to study the seismic effects of solar flares in the universe as well as to monitor the activities of the Sun and further capture its 3D images.
How to reach
By Flight :- The Maharana Pratap Airport is located 26.3 km away from the Udaipur Solar Observatory. You can take a private taxi or cab to reach Udaipur Solar Observatory in about 45 minutes.
By Train :- The Udaipur Railway Station is just 8.4 km away from Udaipur Solar Observatory. You can reach Udaipur Solar Observatory by taking local transports like an auto-rickshaw to arrive without any hassles.
By Public Transport :- You can find regular governmental buses to and from Udaipur. The nearest bus station drops you at central Udaipur City which is 8.2 km away from the Udaipur Solar Observatory.