SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday inaugurated its Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics (NSOAA), a new facility aimed at promoting observational astronomy, astrophysics research, student training and scientific outreach.
The observatory was inaugurated by NIT Srinagar Director Prof Anurag Misra and University of Kashmir Registrar Prof Nasir Iqbal. Dean Research and Consultancy Prof Roohi Naaz, Head of the Department of Physics Prof G A Harmain, Prof Prince Ahmad Ganai, faculty members, researchers and students attended the event.
The facility is equipped with a 14-inch Celestron C14 EdgeHD aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope mounted on a computerised equatorial system, along with advanced astronomical imaging equipment.
The observatory has planetary and cooled deep-sky cameras, LRGB filters, a 2.5x Barlow lens and high-speed imaging capabilities. The equipment will enable observations and imaging of the Moon, planets, nebulae, star clusters and distant galaxies, while supporting both planetary observation and astrophotography.
Prof Misra said the facility would provide students with opportunities for experiential and interdisciplinary learning.
“An observatory of this nature creates a direct interface between classroom learning and scientific exploration. It will give our students an opportunity to observe, collect and analyse astronomical data while encouraging research, innovation and curiosity,” he said.
Prof Misra said the institute also hoped to use the observatory to strengthen its engagement with schools, colleges and scientific institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof Nasir Iqbal said the facility would contribute to scientific learning and collaboration in the region.
He said modern scientific infrastructure could encourage young students to explore emerging areas of science and research, adding that astronomy offered opportunities for collaboration across physics, engineering, computer science and other disciplines.
The observatory has been developed with scientific guidance and collaboration from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. Dr Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, who specialises in astronomy education, science communication and public outreach, is associated with the initiative as an advisor and collaborator.
Joining the inauguration programme virtually, Dr Ramanujam said the observatory could make astronomy more accessible to students and the wider community.
“An observatory becomes truly meaningful when it is used as a space for learning, exploration and engagement. NSOAA can become an important platform for astronomy education and outreach in the region,” he said.
The project also received technical inputs and guidance from entrepreneur Murtaza Khan during its development.
The Observatory Committee includes Prof G A Harmain of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof Shakeel Ahmad of the Department of Chemistry and Prof Fayaz Ahmad Sofi of the Department of Civil Engineering, besides Dr Ramanujam from IIA Bengaluru.
Prof Harmain said the facility was the result of coordination between scientific, engineering and technical teams.
“The observatory is the result of collective vision, technical expertise, thoughtful discussions and teamwork. Facilities of this nature require contributions from people working across different disciplines,” he said.
The initiative was led and implemented by Prof Prince Ahmad Ganai, Professor and Head of the Department of Physics.
Prof Ganai said the observatory was conceived as a platform for hands-on scientific learning, research, astrophotography and outreach rather than merely a telescope facility.
“Our aim is to establish NIT Srinagar as a centre for astronomical learning, observation, research and outreach, connecting our students and the wider community with the universe through modern astronomical instrumentation, hands-on scientific exploration, interdisciplinary research and collaboration with leading institutions,” he said.
Dr Harkirat Singh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, delivered the vote of thanks and said the observatory would complement the department’s academic and research activities.
