The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) celebrated Founders’ Day on 10 August 2026, commemorating the centenary birth anniversary of Dr. M. K. Vainu Bappu, one of the pioneers of modern astronomy in India, and honouring his enduring vision, scientific contributions, and legacy. The occasion brought together the IIA community to remember the life and achievements…
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has taken an important step towards preserving and providing access to its rich institutional and scientific heritage by launching its Archival Portal. The portal was officially launched by Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairperson, Axilor Ventures and Co-founder, Infosys, in the presence of Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, IIA, during the Founder’s…
On 18 October 2025, Dr. Sabrina Bechet, Scientist at the Royal Observatory of Belgium and Member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), visited the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Library. During her visit, she examined several significant archival document titles, including the ‘Annales de l’Observatoire de Paris’ and ‘Annales de l’Observatoire Royal de Bruxelles’. She also reviewed…
The importance of periodicity in sunspot appearance was well recognized by the mid-19th century. It marked a significant milestone in our understanding of solar activity and its broader implications for the Earth’s climate and space weather. By observing and documenting the cyclical nature of sunspots, astronomers began to unlock the patterns of solar behaviour, laying…
The 125th anniversary celebration of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory took place on April 1, 2024. On this momentous occasion, a multitude of delegates honored the event with their presence, including a visit to the KSO Library. Among them was Mr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, the former Chairman of ISRO and current Chairperson of the Governing Council…
The IIA Library and Archives actively participated in the IIA Open Day by setting up a stall to showcase their diverse collection and services. Engaging attendees with informative posters and exhibits, the team highlighted the wealth of resources available at the library and the historical significance of the archives’ materials. The major exhibits highlighted the…
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics is commemorating the 115th anniversary of the pioneering discovery of the Evershed Effect in 1909 at the Kodaikanal Observatory. This milestone in solar physics, rooted in India, highlights the institute’s rich history spanning over 200 years, during which it has served as a hub for theoretical and observational studies of…
Dr. François-Xavier Mortreuil, Attaché for Sciences and Higher Education, French Embassy in India, visited the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Library on 2023 September 22. He had gone through documents including the 19th-century Annales de l’Observatoire de Paris, the 20th-century Annales de l’Observatoire de Bordeaux, and the unique Spots Faculae Prominences of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, among other…
IIA celebrates the birth anniversary of our founder director, Prof. M. K. Vainu Bappu, as Founder’s Day on August 10th every year. This year also, we celebrated the same in grand. IIA staff, outsource staff members, trainees, and students participated in the Founder’s Day meeting held at KSO Library on August 10, 2023, at 10.30…
