Devasthal Observatory

Devasthal (Hindi: देवस्थल) is an observatory in the district of Nainital in Uttarakhand state of India. The literal meaning of the place is "abode of god". The observatory is situated in the Western Himalayan region at an altitude of 2450 meters. Devasthal peak is an emerging optical astronomical site for Indian telescopes. Currently, a 130-cm optical telescope is working at the site. The sites are managed by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital.

Devasthal Observatory
OrganizationAryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences 
LocationNainital district[1], India[1]
Coordinates29°21′42″N 79°41′06″E
Altitude2,450 m (8,040 ft)[1]
Established1998 
Websitewww.aries.res.in
Telescopes1.3m Devasthal Optical Telescope
3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope 
Location of Devasthal Observatory
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The site has already received a 360-cm telescope and a 400-cm liquid mirror telescope which is under construction & likely to be completed by the year 2014. A survey for installing solar telescope is also being carried out near the peak. The place is well equipped with guest house, canteen, internet connection, water and electric supply since 2008.

The best atmospheric seeing at the peak is measured as 0.6".

Devasthal is located 9 km from Dhanachuli.

References

  1. "1.3m Telescope at Devasthal". Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
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