NIT-Srinagar to Open Campus Observatory with Advanced 14-Inch Telescope

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar is set to become the first NIT in the country to establish a dedicated campus-based observatory equipped with a 14-inch advanced telescope. The Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics is scheduled to be inaugurated on September 22, marking a significant development in astronomy education and research at the institute.

The centrepiece of the facility is a 14-inch Celestron C14 EdgeHD Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope fitted with a computerised equatorial mount and specialised astronomical imaging equipment. The system includes planetary and cooled deep-sky cameras, LRGB filters, a 2.5x Barlow lens and high-speed imaging capabilities.

The equipment will allow students and researchers to observe and capture images of a wide range of celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, nebulae, star clusters and distant galaxies. The telescope is also designed to provide detailed images for planetary observation and astrophotography.

The observatory is being developed with scientific guidance and collaboration from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. Scientists associated with the IIA’s science communication and public outreach programmes are also involved in the initiative.

According to NIT-Srinagar, the facility is intended to take students beyond classroom-based learning by giving them opportunities to conduct observations, collect astronomical data and participate in scientific projects. The observatory will also support astrophotography, student training and astronomy outreach programmes.

The institute is also considering introducing a hands-on course in astronomy and astrophysics in the coming months. Special sessions could be organised for schools, colleges and universities across the Kashmir Valley as part of the institute’s outreach efforts. The observatory is expected to serve audiences beyond the NIT-Srinagar campus by connecting educational institutions and astronomy enthusiasts across Jammu and Kashmir with modern observational facilities. Proposed activities include sky-observation programmes, student workshops, teacher training and public viewing sessions.