Gujarat All Set To Get First Ever Solar , Stellar Obseratory

07 January, Ahmedabad

Gujarat is all set to get its first ever solar and stellar observatory. The government recognized Indian Planetary Society (IPS) has selected Kutch district for embarking on this ambitious project at a total cost of Rs 12 crore.

Speaking to AlR, the CEO of IPS Akshay Malhotra said that the Solar Observatory would be utilized to study the Sun as well as the Solar System, while the Stellar Observatory would collect crucial information by studying various galaxies, Planets and stars.

According to him, high-efficiency telescopes, along with other high-end equipments, would be installed at these observatories under PPP (public-private-partnership project) model. The project would take 3-4 years to get completely operationalised.

Malhotra said this is for the first time IPS undertaking such project. IPS selected Kutch district, as the sky is very clear there, which is very essential for accurate results. Budget for the Solar observatory is 2 crore while the Stellar observatory will need 10 crores. The NGO will raise funds through donations and well as government fundings.

While Indian planetary Society has been carrying out detailed study to finalise the locations in Kutch region, the CEO Akshay Malhotra said the observatories are likely to setup near Bhuj as the Tropic of Cancer passes from near Bhuj.

It gives ample sunlight necessary for solar observation and makes this place ideal for solar observation. As of now, the IPS has zeroed-in on two locations, one is Lakhpat and another is Loriya village near Khavda, which is around 80 kms from Bhuj.

The observatories would not only boost solar research but also groom science tourism in the Kutch region. The NGO has been running a community science centre in the region for last 10 years and is active in popularizing science and scientific temper among the students.