MSV-2035 Astronomy Document - Inside Design - FINAL - FINAL

Astronomy & Astrophysics 69 observatory could be explored by the various organisations through a proper MOU among institutes running different observatories in the country. This consortium can then enable networking of the facilities, manage the common pool of observing time, consolidate technical resources, etc. In this way, we will be able to get the benefits of both approaches highlighted above. Developing and Preserving Astronomy Sites: As mentioned earlier in this document, our observatories are spread across the nation. These observatories, when set up, were isolated, located at fairly remote sites with minimal population and pollution. However, over the years, with advancement and increasing population, the sites have degraded. Light pollution severely hampers observations of faint astronomical sources from these sites. General increase in the pollution causes increase in the aerosol content, leading to more atmospheric extinction in the blue wavelength regions. In addition, monsoon effectively shuts down all observatories for nearly 3-4 months. The only region in India that still remains less populated and less polluted is Ladakh. Hanle has proved to be quite a stable site over the past two decades, and is also not as severely affected by the monsoon as other observatories. Site surveys have shown the Ladakh region to have excellent sites for solar astronomy and multi-wavelength night time astronomy. It is thus imperative to preserve the dark skies of Ladakh. As a first effort, the region around the IAO at Hanle has been identified as a dark sky reserve by the State. This dark sky reserve will not only help scientific endeavour, but will also promote astro-tourism in the region, providing a source of income to the local population. Like the need for dark skies for optical astronomy, there is a strong need for “quiet skies” in the radio region. Man made radio noise prevents detection of the weak radio signals from astronomical sources. It is therefore important to have pockets of radio quiet areas that will enable astronomical observations. The region around GMRT is already protected, and it is important to identify and protect sites of future facilities. It is important for India to join forces with the IAU, UNESCO and other international bodies for the protection of dark and quiet skies. International Consortia of Observatories: To enable access to a wide variety of telescopes and instruments, several countries have jointly set up consortia of observatories. For example, East Asian Core Observatories Association (EACOA) was constituted between National Astronomical Observatories of ChineseAcademy of Sciences (NAOC), KoreaAstronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA, Taiwan), and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). These institutions share some fraction of observing time on their facilities. Similarly efforts are on to create network of telescopes owned by the BRICS partner countries. Being part of such international networks will be highly beneficial for the growth of our community. • • MEGA SCIENCE VISION-2035