New Observatory at Panchet Hill to Advance Astronomy and Inspire Students in Purulia

Purulia: The newly inaugurated observatory atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district promises to make significant strides in astronomical research and education. Set up by the S.N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, the observatory will aid in the scientific study of astronomical phenomena, train students in telescope operations and data recording, and foster national and international collaborations.

Strategically located at an altitude of 600 meters and a longitude of approximately 86° E, the Panchet Hill observatory addresses a critical gap in global longitudinal coverage for astronomical observation. Renowned astrophysicists have highlighted the importance of such observatories in capturing transient phenomena lasting mere minutes or hours. Along the 86° E longitude, which stretches from the Arctic to Antarctica, observatories are sparse, making this new facility a crucial addition to the global scientific network.

The observatory was conceptualized and developed by Dr. Ramkrishna Das, Dr. Soumen Mandal, and Dr. Tapas Baug of the SNBCBS Department of Astrophysics, with work commencing after the formal acquisition of land in 2018. Their efforts included site characterization, assessment of astronomical seeing and weather conditions, and the installation of a state-of-the-art 14-inch telescope for scientific observations.

At the virtual inauguration hosted by Sidhu Kanu Birsa (SKB) University, Dr. Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta, Director of SNBCBS, expressed pride in the achievement and optimism about the observatory’s contributions to observational astronomy. Viswajit Sahay, Financial Adviser of the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized the potential for the observatory to create a dynamic ecosystem in its vicinity, benefiting local communities and academia alike.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SNBCBS and SKB University establishes a partnership to jointly manage the observatory and share resources. Dr. Pabitra Kumar Chakrabarty, Vice Chancellor of SKB University, hailed the observatory as a beacon of inspiration for students in Purulia, a district often considered educationally disadvantaged.

The inauguration was attended virtually and on-site by key figures, including Dr. B.N. Jagtap, Chairman of the Governing Body of SNBCBS, and Vivek Pankaj, SDO of Raghunathpur. The observatory is poised not only to enhance India’s contributions to global astronomy but also to serve as a hub for local talent, inspiring students to explore the cosmos and contributing to regional scientific advancement.