The iconic Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), one of India’s oldest solar observatories in the world celebrated its 125th anniversary on 1st April, a PIB press release stated.
A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO and Chairperson of the Governing Council of IIA then unveiled the KSO 125 logo for the anniversary celebrations along with a booklet detailing the history and the research highlights of the Observatory.
The Observatory has a continuous daily record of the Sun, with more than 1.2 lakh digitised solar images and thousands of other images of the Sun recorded every day since the start of the 20th century. This unique database is publicly available to astronomers all over the world, and it is a valuable resource for research and study.One of the most important aspects of the KSO’s work has been its emphasis on continuous innovation. The continuous pursuit of knowledge has required multiple generations of technology, and the transfer of skills through generations of scientists has been essential to ensuring the observatory’s ongoing success. Another important milestone in the KSO’s history is the discovery of the Evershed Effect in 1909. The Evershed Effect is an effect that can be seen in sunspots due to the radial flow of gas.The discovery of this effect allowed scientists to better understand the plasma process in the Sun and the production of prominences and flares. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is a testament to the power of science and the dedication of its scientists.
The observatory’s work has had a profound impact on astronomy in India and beyond, and it is expected that the KSO will continue to be a valuable resource for research and study in many years to come.