International Conference on Solar Physics in Bengaluru

This week, Bengaluru is hosting an international conference that brings together over 200 solar physicists from India and around the world. The event focuses on critical research areas such as solar magnetism, the solar-stellar connection, and space weather. Organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the conference celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). This observatory has played a pivotal role in advancing solar astrophysics in India, providing valuable insights into the Sun’s behavior and its effects on Earth.

Celebrating a Legacy of Solar Research

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, established in 1899, has been a cornerstone of solar research in India. Its unique location and advanced equipment have allowed scientists to study sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. The conference, titled “Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections,” serves as a testament to KSO’s enduring legacy. It runs from January 20 to January 24, 2025, featuring a vibrant scientific program curated by an international Scientific Organizing Committee composed of 20 eminent solar astronomers.

During the inaugural session, Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA, emphasized the significance of the conference. She stated, “This conference celebrates the birth and growth of solar astronomy and solar physics in the country.” The event has attracted 205 participants, with half being students and a third coming from outside India. The diverse program includes presentations, discussions, and poster sessions, allowing researchers to share their latest findings and foster collaborations.

Advancements in Solar Research Initiatives

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), highlighted several initiatives aimed at advancing solar research. He discussed the digitization of KSO’s historic records and the IIA’s contributions to the Aditya-L1 mission through the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph. He also mentioned the proposed National Large Solar Telescope, which is set to be built at Merak, near Pangong Tso in Ladakh. This telescope promises to open new frontiers in solar astrophysics.

Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO and current chair of the IIA Governing Council, addressed the audience during the inaugural session. He noted that ISRO has the capabilities to support solar physics research from space. He challenged the scientific community to propose new instruments that ISRO could launch. This collaboration between ISRO and solar physicists could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the field.

Global Perspectives on Solar Astronomy

The conference features contributions from renowned solar astronomers, including Prof. Siraj Hasan, former Director of IIA, and Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Director of IIST Trivandrum. They discussed the history of solar research in India and the legacy of KSO. Prof. John Leibacher from the National Solar Observatory in the USA also presented international perspectives on the observatory’s work. He emphasized that KSO is a unique facility that exemplifies the study of the Sun as a system.

The conference aims to explore various themes, including solar magnetism over long time scales, energetic phenomena, and the heliosphere’s impact on space weather. Participants will engage in discussions about new and upcoming solar astronomy facilities, including the proposed National Large Solar Telescope in Ladakh. This collaborative effort will strengthen international cooperation and enhance the global understanding of solar phenomena.

Engaging the Public with Solar Science

In addition to the scientific discussions, the conference also aims to engage the public. A public talk on the Sun will be hosted by Prof. Nat Gopalswamy from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center on January 23 at CHRIST University. This event is open to students and the general public, providing an opportunity for broader community engagement in solar science.

The conference represents a significant milestone in the field of solar physics, fostering collaboration among researchers and promoting public interest in solar studies. As the event unfolds, it promises to inspire the next generation of scientists and deepen our understanding of the Sun and its influence on our planet.

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