Telescope facility for students and public at the Physics Department of Mysore University in Manasaganagotri campus was inaugurated this morning by Dr. P. Sreekumar, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.

In his inaugural address, he said that this facility provided by the University would help young research students as well as other students and public to know more about the celestial bodies.

“About 400 years ago, Galileo invented the first telescope which helped astronomers to know the movements of planets," he said and added telescope plays an important role in the studying of celestial bodies in the galaxy.

Stating that the answer for the oft-asked question — “Is there life outside the earth?” — can be found through the study of astronomy for which such sophisticated instruments like telescope are necessary, he called upon the students to form an Astronomy Club so that exchange of knowledge and discoveries could be made. He lauded the efforts of the University for setting up the telescope for the benefit of students.

Mysore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa, in his address, called upon the students to make use of the facility and added that the University would spare no efforts to provide funds for equipment to help students.

Dr. R. Somashekhar, Chairperson, Department of Studies in Physics, Prof. K. Byrappa, Director, UPE project, University of Mysore, Shailendra Agrahari (the technician who installed the telescope) were present.

Dr. Somashekar, speaking to SOM, said that the telescope’s Professional Computerised series with revolutionary Sky Align alignment technology redefines everything that amateur astronomers are seeking and offers a quick and simple alignment, GPS, unsurpassed optical quality, easy set up and use, advanced ergonomics and enhanced computerisation.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore