Srinagar: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday inaugurated an Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics, a facility aimed at promoting observational astronomy, astrophysics research, student training and scientific outreach in the region.
The observatory, named the NIT Srinagar Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics (NSOAA), was inaugurated by NIT Srinagar Director Prof Anurag Misra and University of Kashmir Registrar Prof Nasir Iqbal in the presence of faculty members, researchers and students.
The facility has been established around a 14-inch Celestron C14 EdgeHD aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope equipped with a computerised equatorial mount and advanced astronomical imaging systems.
According to the institute, the observatory is fitted with planetary and cooled deep-sky cameras, LRGB filters, a 2.5x Barlow lens and high-speed imaging equipment capable of observing and capturing images of the Moon, planets, nebulae, star clusters and distant galaxies. The telescope is designed to provide flat-field, aberration-free images and support both astronomical observation and astrophotography.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof Misra said the facility would strengthen the institute’s efforts to provide students with experiential and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
He said the observatory would enable students to observe, collect and analyse astronomical data while encouraging research, innovation and scientific curiosity. He also expressed hope that the facility would help expand the institute’s engagement with schools, colleges and scientific organisations across Jammu and Kashmir.
University of Kashmir Registrar Prof Nasir Iqbal described the observatory as an important addition to the region’s scientific infrastructure and said it could encourage students to explore emerging areas of science and research.
He noted that astronomy offered opportunities for collaboration across disciplines such as physics, engineering and computer science.
The observatory has been developed with scientific guidance from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. Dr Niruj Mohan Ramanujam of the IIA, who joined the inauguration programme virtually, has been associated with the project as an advisor and collaborator.
Dr Ramanujam said the facility could help make astronomy more accessible to students and the wider community and serve as a platform for scientific learning and outreach.
The project also received technical inputs and guidance from entrepreneur Murtaza Khan during its development, the institute said.
NIT Srinagar said the observatory initiative was led by Prof Prince Ahmad Ganai, Head of the Department of Physics, who described the facility as more than a telescope installation and said it had been conceived as a platform for scientific learning, research, astrophotography and outreach activities.
“Our aim is to establish NIT Srinagar as a centre for astronomical learning, observation, research and outreach, connecting students and the wider community with modern astronomical instrumentation and scientific exploration,” he said.
The observatory committee comprises Prof G A Harmain of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof Shakeel Ahmad of the Department of Chemistry, Prof Fayaz Ahmad Sofi of the Department of Civil Engineering and Dr Ramanujam of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
