May 18, 2025, Post 1: Kodaikanal’s Solar Legacy: 125 Years of Watching the Sun | High Quality Mains Essay | Prelims MCQs
Kodaikanal’s Solar Legacy: 125 Years of Watching the Sun
THEME: Science & Technology – Observatories and Space Research
SYLLABUS MAP: GS-3 / Developments in Science and Technology
WHISPER: 🛰️ When famine turned humanity’s eyes to the Sun, science rose with a telescope.
Key Highlights
• Historic Milestone: The Department of Posts released a commemorative stamp marking 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO).
• Origins Rooted in Crisis: KoSO was established in response to the devastating drought of 1875–77. The Famine Commission advocated the creation of a solar observatory to study links between solar cycles and rainfall.
• Pioneering Solar Studies: Located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, KoSO began solar observations in 1899 under Charles Michie Smith. Its clear skies and low humidity made it ideal for solar science.
• Major Discovery: In 1909, John Evershed discovered the Evershed Effect at KoSO—radial gas outflows in sunspot penumbrae—significantly advancing solar physics.
• Modern Relevance: KoSO continues to contribute to global solar studies, tracking solar magnetic fields and space weather impacts on Earth’s climate.
Concept Explainer: Why Study the Sun from India?
• The Sun is the chief driver of Earth’s climate systems, including monsoons.
• Solar phenomena like sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) influence weather patterns and communication infrastructure.
• Continuous, long-term observation from observatories like KoSO enables India to predict solar storms, assess climate shifts, and strengthen national preparedness.
GS Paper Mapping
GS-3:
- Developments in space science and technology
- Scientific institutions and research in India
- Natural disasters and climate impact analysis
A Thought Spark — by IAS Monk
When skies turned empty and rains withdrew their song, it was not superstition but science that India turned to. From the ashes of famine, rose a lens of hope. The Kodaikanal Observatory stands not merely as a telescope to the heavens, but as a monument to resilience, reason, and foresight.
High Quality Mains Essay For Practice :
Word Limit 1000-1200
Observatories and India’s Cosmic Journey: Contributions to the Science of Star-Hunting
Introduction
From ancient naked-eye astronomy to cutting-edge space telescopes, India’s relationship with the stars has been both spiritual and scientific. In 2024, as India marked 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO), it reaffirmed its place in the global quest to understand celestial phenomena. Observatories are not just buildings with telescopes — they are the bridges between Earth and the universe. This essay explores India’s growing ecosystem of astronomical observatories, their scientific legacy, technological evolution, and their significance in modern research, diplomacy, and national development.
The Historical Arc: From Jyotisha to Kodaikanal
India’s astronomical tradition dates back thousands of years. The Surya Siddhanta, Aryabhata, and Varahamihira contributed to early models of planetary motion and eclipse prediction.
In modern times, the establishment of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in 1899 marked a scientific shift from astrology to astrophysics. Inspired by the devastating Great Famine of 1875–77, British administrators and Indian scientists recognized the potential links between solar cycles and monsoon patterns. KoSO became one of the earliest institutions in the world to consistently monitor solar activity — and remains one of the few observatories with continuous solar archives over a century.
Key Contributions of Indian Observatories
1. The Evershed Effect (1909) – KoSO
Discovered by John Evershed, this phenomenon revealed radial gas flows in sunspot penumbrae, revolutionizing our understanding of solar magnetism.
2. Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle – Ladakh
At 4,500 meters altitude, IAO is among the world’s highest observatories. Operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), it enables infrared and optical astronomy with minimal atmospheric interference.
3. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), Pune
One of the largest and most sensitive low-frequency radio telescopes, GMRT is vital for studying pulsars, quasars, and distant galaxies. It has aided the global search for fast radio bursts and mapped cosmic radio noise.
4. Mt. Abu Infrared Observatory (MIO), Rajasthan
Operated by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), MIO supports infrared astronomy, including exoplanet research, variable stars, and cometary studies.
5. ARIES Observatory, Nainital
This optical observatory contributes to supernova studies, stellar population modeling, and time-domain astronomy — the study of transient cosmic events.
Space-Based Observatories: India’s Orbiting Eyes
India has expanded its star-hunting capacity into space:
- ASTROSAT (2015): India’s first multi-wavelength space telescope, observing ultraviolet, X-ray, and optical bands. It has contributed to studies on black holes, neutron stars, and galactic evolution.
- Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar observatory in space, placed at Lagrange Point 1, monitoring solar wind, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — crucial for space weather forecasting.
Upcoming missions like XPoSat (X-ray Polarimetry Satellite) will further enhance India’s astrophysical exploration capacity.
Why Star-Hunting Matters: Scientific and Strategic Value
- Fundamental Science: Astronomy helps understand the origins of the universe, stellar life cycles, and cosmic expansion.
- Climate Prediction: Observatories like KoSO help link solar activity to Earth’s climate systems — vital in monsoon-dependent economies like India.
- Space Weather Monitoring: Solar storms can disrupt satellites, communication, and power grids. Early warnings help mitigate risks.
- STEM Development: Observatories inspire education, research, and careers in astrophysics and aerospace engineering.
- Global Collaboration: India’s observatories often work with NASA, ESA, and international institutions, boosting science diplomacy.
- Technological Spin-offs: Innovations in telescope optics, sensors, and cryogenics benefit defence, imaging, and navigation sectors.
Challenges in India’s Observatory Ecosystem
- Light pollution and urban encroachment threaten ground-based observations.
- Funding constraints delay upgrades and staffing.
- Data sharing and international publication lags hinder India’s global citation impact.
- Skilled workforce shortage limits research output despite excellent infrastructure.
Way Forward
- Digital Archives: KoSO’s photographic plates are now being digitized — a model for long-term solar studies.
- Sky Literacy in Schools: Introduce astronomy in early education using observatory visits and mobile planetariums.
- Global Collaborations: Join upcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) projects.
- Citizen Science: Platforms like Zooniverse can engage the public in star classification and data tagging.
- Strengthen Himalayan and Southern Sky Access: Ensure ecological protection of clear-sky zones like Ladakh, Nilgiris, and Palani Hills.
Conclusion
India’s observatories represent more than telescopes; they are temples of cosmic understanding, born from necessity and curiosity. From tracking solar cycles to decoding black holes, they show that star-hunting is not a luxury of rich nations — it is a strategic, scientific, and civilizational imperative.
In every star watched, India charts not just the skies — but its destiny.
Target IAS-26: Daily MCQs :
📌 Prelims Practice MCQs
Topic:
MCQ 1 – Type 1: How many of the above statements are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding India’s astronomical observatories:
1)The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was established in 1899 as a direct response to the Great Famine of 1875–77.
2)The Evershed Effect was first observed at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle.
3)The GMRT near Pune is one of the world’s largest low-frequency radio telescopes.
4)ASTROSAT is India’s first multi-wavelength space telescope for observing celestial bodies.
How of the above statements are correct?
A) Only two
B) Only three
C) All four
D) Only one
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation
✅ Correct Answer: B) Only three
🧠 Explanation:
Correct Answer: B) Only three
1.✅ True – The observatory was set up following the Famine Commission’s recommendation.
2.❌ False – The Evershed Effect was discovered at KoSO, not Hanle.
3.✅ True – GMRT is a globally renowned radio telescope system near Pune.
4.✅ True – ASTROSAT was launched in 2015 for multi-band space observation.
MCQ 2 – Type 2: Two-statement check
Consider the following two statements:
1)The Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle is one of the highest astronomical facilities in the world.
2)The Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first planetary mission to Jupiter.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) Only 1 is correct
B) Only 2 is correct
C) Both are correct
D) Neither is correct
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation
✅ Correct Answer: A) Only 1 is correct
🧠 Explanation:
Correct Answer: A) Only 1 is correct
1.✅ True – The Hanle observatory is located at 4,500 meters above sea level in Ladakh.
2.❌ False – Aditya-L1 is a solar observatory positioned at the L1 point, not a Jupiter mission.
MCQ 3 – Type 3: Which of the following statements is/are correct?
With reference to India’s space and ground-based observatories:
1)Mt. Abu Infrared Observatory focuses on the study of thermal and low-energy radiation from celestial bodies.
2)Kodaikanal Observatory specializes in the study of neutron stars and gravitational waves.
3)The ARIES facility in Nainital plays a key role in observing supernova events.
4)ASTROSAT was placed in geostationary orbit for continuous observation of one hemisphere.
Select the correct code:
A) 1, 3 only
B) 1, 2, and 3 only
C) 1 and 4 only
D) All four
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation
✅ Correct Answer: A) 1, 3 only
🧠 Explanation:
Correct Answer: A) 1, 3 only
1.✅ True – Mt. Abu observatory is focused on infrared astronomy.
2.❌ False – KoSO focuses on solar studies, not neutron stars.
3.✅ True – ARIES contributes to time-domain astronomy including supernovae.
4.❌ False – ASTROSAT is placed in a low Earth orbit, not geostationary orbit.
MCQ 4 – Type 4: Direct factual
What is the Evershed Effect, first discovered at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in 1909?
A) The solar wind acceleration in the corona
B) The radial flow of gases in the penumbra of sunspots
C) The cyclic variation of sunspot numbers
D) The sudden solar flares visible during eclipses
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation.
✅ Correct Answer: B) The radial flow of gases in the penumbra of sunspots
🧠 Explanation:
Correct Answer: B) The radial flow of gases in the penumbra of sunspots
1.✅ John Evershed discovered this outward motion of gases within sunspots, marking a milestone in solar physics.
