Distinguished Visit by Dr. Sabrina Bechet from the Royal Observatory of Belgium to Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Library
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Distinguished Visit by Dr. Sabrina Bechet from the Royal Observatory of Belgium to Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Library

ByIIA library

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…

Under his Guiding Stars: Founder’s Day 2025 Honouring Prof. M. K. Vainu Bappu
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Under his Guiding Stars: Founder’s Day 2025 Honouring Prof. M. K. Vainu Bappu

ByIIA Library

The morning of 11th August 2025 dawned bright over the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, carrying with it a sense of reverence and pride. Although Founder’s Day is traditionally observed on 10th August, this year’s celebration was moved to Monday to allow the IIA community to gather fully. The occasion marked the birth anniversary of Prof….

“125 Years Under the Sun: Honouring the Legacy of KSO”

“125 Years Under the Sun: Honouring the Legacy of KSO”

ByIIA Library

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), located amidst the mist-covered Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, has stood as a monumental center of solar research in India for over 125 years. Established on 1 April 1899, the observatory is administered by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and is globally recognized for maintaining one of the world’s…

IIA Celebrates Prof. M. K. V. Bappu’s Birth Anniversary
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IIA Celebrates Prof. M. K. V. Bappu’s Birth Anniversary

ByIIA Library

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) commemorated the birth anniversary of the late Prof. M. K. Vainu Bappu on August 10th, observed as Founders Day. The event commenced at 10:00 AM with the garlanding of Prof. Bappu’s photograph by Director Annapurni Subramaniam in the IIA Bengaluru Campus Library, followed by a lecture by Prof. Umesh…

Sunspot drawings at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Library
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Sunspot drawings at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Library

ByIIA library

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…