Credit: sharvari k
Overview and History
As a testament to India’s commitment to solar research and exploration, the Udaipur Solar Observatory was built in 1975 by Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar on the picturesque island of Fateh Saga Lake near Shipgram in Udaipur. Designed in accordance with the Big Bear Observatory in northern California, it is one of the finest solar observing sites in Asia. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the exceptional observatory in unlocking the mysteries of our sun.
The Udaipur solar observatory is situated in the tranquil water of the Fateh Sagar Lake, which reduces air turbulence caused by ground heating from the sun’s rays. It allowed scientists to delve deeper into the intricate details of the sun with enhanced image quality and accuracy.
State-of-the-art technology with high-resolution instruments is used to study magnetic field analysis, spectral observations, velocity instruments, and solar chromospheric. The evolution of the solar active region, mass ejections, and investigation into solar flares play a crucial role in the study of the sun. The Udaipur solar observatory covers a crucial navigational gap between Spain and Australia and ensures contentious solar coverage in international collaborative programs like the Global Oscillations Network Group (Gong).
Multi-June 15 Application Solar Telescope (MAST)
On June 15, 2015, Udaipur solar observatory operationalized The Multi-Application Solar Telescope (MAST) with a telescoping feature having an aperture of 50 cm. Mast, with its advanced capabilities, studies the Sun’s magnetic field, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of our closest star. It gathers and provides invaluable data that increases the capabilities of scientists in the ever-expanding field of Solar research.