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

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

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…

Open Day 2025 – Illuminating the Legacy: A Journey Through IIA’s Library and Archives

Open Day 2025 – Illuminating the Legacy: A Journey Through IIA’s Library and Archives

On March 2, 2025, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) welcomed over 5,300 visitors to its much-anticipated Open Day, offering an immersive experience into the rich scientific legacy and ongoing contributions of the institute. The day unfolded through four major themes, each weaving a story of exploration, innovation, and dedication to the skies. The life…

User Awareness Session on iThenticate Anti-Plagiarism Software on 24th February, 2025

The IIA Library is pleased to invite researchers, faculty, and students to a User Awareness Session on iThenticate, the advanced anti-plagiarism software recently subscribed by IIA. This session aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and best practices for detecting and preventing plagiarism, thereby upholding the highest standards of academic integrity in research publications. About…

New Books for recommendation (February 2025)

Review Author Shohini Ghose is herself Professor of Physics and Computer Science at Wilfred Laurier University in Canada, and has been active in women-in-science issues for some time. Here she addresses seven topics in the recent history of physics, astronomy, cosmology, and such, focussing on contributions by women to our present understanding. You will find…

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

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…

IIA Director Annapurni Subramaniam to receive Vigyan Shri Award
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IIA Director Annapurni Subramaniam to receive Vigyan Shri Award

Professor Annapurni Subramaniam, the Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, has been chosen for the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar–Vigyan Shri Award for 2024. She is among 13 recipients of the Vigyan Shri Award this year. The award, which includes a medallion and a citation, will be presented on August 23 at the…

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