Kodaikanal Solar Observatory – Palani Hills- Tamilnadu : 9 April 2024

What is is Solar Observatory?

• Purpose: Dedicated to observing and studying the Sun.
• Instruments: Utilizes specialized telescopes and tools to observe solar phenomena.
• Importance: Critical for understanding solar activity’s impact on Earth’s climate and space weather.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO):

• Establishment: Founded in 1899 by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
• Location: Southern tip of the Palani Hills, Tamilnadu
• Contributions: First detected the Evershed effect (apparent radial flow of gas observed in the outer region of the sunspots) in 1909, linking solar activity to monsoons.
• Historical Context: Established after the Great Drought of 1875-1877 highlighted a potential connection between solar activity and seasonal rainfall patterns.

Why in News:

• Kodaikanal Solar Observatory recently celebrated the milestone  of its 125th Anniversary.