New Observatory Enhances Astronomy Research in West Bengal
The S N Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS) has inaugurated a new observatory atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district, West Bengal. This facility promises to advance scientific observations of astronomical objects and provide valuable training for students. It aims to foster national and international collaboration in astronomical research while addressing a significant gap in longitudinal observations.
Strategic Location for Astronomical Observations
Situated at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level and approximately at 86° E longitude, the Panchet observatory is poised to become a key player in astronomical research, not just in eastern India but globally. The 86° E longitude line, which extends from the Arctic Ocean to Antarctica, has very few observatories. This new facility will fill that void, making it strategically important for observing transient astronomical phenomena that last from a few minutes to several hours.
Renowned astrophysicist and Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University has emphasized the necessity of having observatories at various longitudes to capture these fleeting events. The Panchet observatory’s location is thus critical for enhancing our understanding of such phenomena. By providing a platform for real-time observations, this facility will enable researchers to gather data that was previously difficult to obtain.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
The S N Bose Centre has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University to jointly manage the observatory and share resources. This partnership is expected to create a collaborative environment that benefits both institutions. During the virtual inauguration, Dr. Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta, Director of SNBCBS, expressed her pride in this initiative. She highlighted the potential for significant contributions to observational astronomy.
Shri Viswajit Sahay, Financial Adviser of the Department of Science and Technology, also attended the inauguration. He noted that observatories often create a unique ecosystem in their surroundings. The Panchet observatory holds the promise of fostering scientific curiosity and engagement in the local community, particularly among students.
Empowering Local Students and Researchers
Dr. Pabitra Kumar Chakrabarty, Vice Chancellor of Sidhu Kanu Birsa University, remarked on the importance of having such a high-standard observatory in Purulia, a district often considered backward in terms of development. This facility will serve as a source of inspiration for students at the university, encouraging them to pursue careers in science and research.
The observatory’s establishment involved extensive planning and execution by a dedicated team from the Department of Astrophysics at SNBCBS. Dr. Ramkrishna Das, Dr. Soumen Mandal, and Dr. Tapas Baug led the efforts, which began with land acquisition in 2018. Their work included site characterization, assessing astronomical ‘seeing’ conditions, and setting up a 14-inch telescope for scientific observations.
Future Prospects and Contributions to Astronomy
The Panchet observatory is not just a facility for observation; it is a hub for learning and collaboration. It aims to attract researchers from across the country and around the world, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry. The observatory will also provide training opportunities for students, equipping them with the skills needed to handle telescopes and record data effectively.
As the observatory begins its operations, it is expected to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in observational astronomy. The collaboration between SNBCBS and Sidhu Kanu Birsa University will further enhance research capabilities and promote scientific literacy in the region. The Panchet observatory stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring astronomers and a testament to the growing importance of scientific research in India.
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