Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is one of the oldest solar observatories in the world . It is located in the hill station town of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a place  that greatly benefits science about knowledge about the Sun and its impact on Earth. The observatory stands at an altitude of nearly 2,300 meters, which translates to 7,500 feet above sea level. This creates an odd line of sight for viewing some of the Sun's phenomena. 

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is an extremely good location for observations of the Sun. This place was established by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in 1899 to observe the Sun's radiation and its spot and other associated solar activities. It was built here in Kodaikanal, where a clear sky prevailed in those days, and the free atmosphere on Earth was meant for Astronomical Observation. It was one of the early Indian contributions to global astronomical research and soon gained recognition in solar physics.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory has been particularly known for research on the solar cycle, solar wind, and solar flares for decades. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory has been a vital tool in helping us understand the behaviour of the Sun. Some of the key contributions include: 

• Sunspot Studies: Sunspots are darker, cooler areas on the Sun's surface and, therefore, contribute to the amount of solar activity. One of the research studies conducted in the observatory is studying sunspots. 

• Analysis of the Sun Spectrum: This observatory has contributed much to the study of the spectrum of the Sun, which helped to understand its chemical composition and behaviour of the Sun. 

It can observe numerous solar flares, which describe dramatically explosive releases of solar energy radiating at the surface level. They tend to have very violent  impacts  on space weather conditions. Research about analyzing specific facts regarding solar wind, which is an ejection flow of charged particles  from the Sun's atmosphere,  affects the satellite system or communication across spaces and through satellites. 

Some of the sophisticated and newest equipment to conduct solar observations with telescopes mounted on the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory are as follows: 

• Solar Tower Telescope: This is one of the primary facilities for conducting sun-related observations. It has the latest and most advanced instruments. 

• The Spectrograph: This equipment allows further studies of the Sun's light analysis and its colour breakdown. 

• The Photographic Telescope: It is applied to photograph the phenomenon of the Sun, such as sunspots and solar prominences.

• White Light Telescope: This is the telescope used to monitor sunspots and solar activities using visible light. 

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory needs research  based on its understanding of the Sun and its influential behaviour on Earth. The activity of space weather is  involved with the functioning of satellite communications, GPS systems, and  power grids. 

While investigating the solar magnetic field, storms in the Sun, and sunspots, it is expected that disruption related to this space technology from events at the observatory scientists can  be predicted. One of the principal research fields in this observatory includes solar cycles that last 11 years. These are cycles representing  increases and decreases in the phenomena of sunspots and solar flares on the surface of the Sun; hence, they are considered vital to predict solar activity and space weather. 

Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore | Trekking Near Bangalore | Two Day Trip From Bangalore

Nearby Location: 

1. Kodaikanal Lake: It is an artificial star-shaped lake. 5 km from the observatory and all around it is full of thick greenery. One can visit this place by boating or cycling around the lake, or just sitting on the shores of the lake. 

2. Coaker's Walk: Coaker's Walk is an extremely lovely promenade along the southern brink of the Kodaikanal Ridge and is only 2 km from the observatory. Extremely famous for walks and photography. 

3. Pillar Rocks: Pillar Rocks is about 8 km from the observatory. It is a group of three gigantic rock formations standing over 400 feet tall. The view from the viewing platform here is simply spectacular as one sees the valley and hills surrounding it. 

4. Bryant Park: Bryant Park is a well-planned botanical garden with flowering plants and trees  2 km from the observatory. It is a fantastic place to  roam around and click on nature photography. 

5. Devil's Kitchen: Devil's Kitchen is about 8 km away. One of the good trekking points lies beside Pillar Rocks. Deep ravines, accompanied by unique geological formations, make it an area both for nature enthusiasts and adventure sports enthusiasts. 

6. Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is a pristine, serene lake, and it has forests with rolling hills. It's 23 km from the observatory. It's the perfect place for nature walks, picnics, and bird-watching. It's quite a peaceful experience. 

7. Chettiar Park: Chettiar Park is one of Coonoor's well-manicured parks, about 3 km from the observatory. It is covered in rich greenery and forms one of the very quietest places to sit and enjoy the region's serenity. 

8. Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary: About 5 km from the observatory, Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary: The ground here offers vistas of myriad flora and fauna. It is a good site for trekking and photographing wildlife. 

9. Silver Cascade Falls: 8 km from the observatory, one of the most beautiful waterfalls is the Silver Cascade Falls, situated along the main road to Kodaikanal. It's a nice place to take a quick halt, enjoy nature, and cool down in the water. 

10. Pillar Rocks Viewpoint: It is 7 km from the viewpoint , giving a breathtaking Panorama of the colossal Pillar Rocks and general valleys as an attraction for photographers and nature lovers. 

How to Reach: 

• By Air: Madurai Airport (120 km) has direct bus services to most cities in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai. One can take a taxi from this point and reach Kodaikanal by bus. The nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport (170 km). There are taxis and buses. Eventually, it reaches Kodaikanal. 

• By Train: The nearest major railway station to Kodaikanal is Kodai Road. Kodaikanal Road is 80 km distance from Kodaikanal. There is direct connectivity from and to towns like Madurai and Chennai, as well as this railway station. Taxis or buses are available to take you to Kodaikanal from this place. The Madurai Railway Station is also available for  visitors coming from other parts of  India at 120km. 

• By Road: Kodaikanal is well connected by road from major cities like Madurai (120 km), Chennai (520 km), Coimbatore (175 km), and Bangalore (460 km). Drive there or take buses from any of these cities. From Kodaikanal, one can reach the observatory located 5 km away from Kodaikanal Lake by taxi or auto-rickshaw. 

Trending Packages: Kuamara Parvatha Trek | Kodachadri Trek | Mullayanagiri Trek | Brahmagiri Trek | Kurinjal Trek | Kemmangundi Trek