Open Day 2026- Exploring the Astronomical Heritage: IIA Library & Archives Exhibition

On 21 February 2026, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) celebrated National Science Day through its annual Open Day at the Koramangala campus in Bengaluru. The event, held from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, received an overwhelming response from the public, with more than 8,000 visitors attending throughout the day. Students, teachers, families, and science enthusiasts gathered to explore the fascinating world of astronomy and learn more about the research activities of the institute.

As part of this celebration, the IIA Library & Archives team organized a special exhibition highlighting the institute’s rich astronomical heritage. The exhibition aimed to introduce visitors to the valuable collections preserved in the library and archives and to showcase the historical foundations of astronomical research at IIA.

“**A Glimpse of Visitors at the IIA Archive Exhibition**“

One of the key highlights of the exhibition was the display of archival records related to renowned astronomers associated with the institute, including M.K. Vainu Bappu, N.R. Pogson, Charles Michie Smith, and John Evershed. These records included historical documents, photographs, correspondence, and research materials preserved in the IIA Library & Archives. The materials reflected their scientific discoveries, achievements, and significant contributions to the development of astronomy in India. Through these curated archival records, visitors were able to gain insights into the pioneering research carried out by these astronomers and understand their important role in shaping the growth of modern astronomical studies at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

“**Visitors exploring the exhibition displays and learning about the archival records, historical instruments, and scientific achievements preserved by the IIA Library & Archives”**

Another interesting component of the exhibition was the display of a compiled list of solar eclipses observed over the past 159 years, reflecting the institute’s long-standing documentation and engagement with significant astronomical events. Throughout the day, the Library & Archives team interacted with visitors, explaining the significance of the archival collections, historical instruments, and documentary records on display. Many visitors expressed curiosity and enthusiasm as they explored the materials and learned about the role of the library and archives in preserving scientific heritage.

“**Visitors Engaging with exhibition posters as the IIA Library & Archives team explains the history and contributions of astronomical research.**“

These included posters titled “Vainu Bappu Observatory: A Legacy of Astronomical Discovery,” “Legacy of Madras Observatory (1786–1899),” and “Evolution of Telescopes at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.” These visual materials illustrated the historical growth of astronomical observatories and the advancement of telescope technology associated with IIA.

“***Librarian &*** **Library staff explaining the exhibition instruments and sharing insights**“

The exhibition also featured a display of historical astronomical instruments, which attracted considerable attention from visitors. Among the instruments showcased were the Evershed Effect Plate, Photometer, Transit Circle, Theodolite, and Drum Chronograph.

To make the exhibition more engaging for visitors, the IIA Library & Archives team also created an “I Love Library” selfie point in front of the library building. This spot quickly became a popular attraction during the Open Day, with many visitors stopping to take photographs and share their experience of visiting the institute. The selfie point not only added a fun element to the event but also helped draw attention to the library as an important space for knowledge and learning.

Throughout the day, many visitors showed great curiosity about the exhibition and actively interacted with the Library & Archives team. They asked a variety of questions about the archival records, historical instruments, scientific achievements, and the contributions of astronomers associated with the institute. These interactions created meaningful conversations and allowed visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and scientific significance of the collections displayed in the exhibition

The exhibition provided a valuable opportunity to connect the public with the rich legacy of astronomy preserved at IIA and to highlight the importance of safeguarding historical scientific records for future generations. The enthusiastic participation of thousands of visitors made the IIA Library & Archives exhibition one of the memorable highlights of the Open Day celebrations, reinforcing the role of libraries and archives in preserving and sharing scientific knowledge with the wider community.