Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 12-02-1978 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 newspaper clipping
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Repository
Archival history
The collection was transferred from IIA library to IIA Archives
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The collection was acquired from IIA library
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This item talks about the Kavalur campus. Nestled within sandalwood forests in Kavalur near Jolarpet, Tamil Nadu, India, it boasts a distinctive optical telescope scanning the nightly sky. The forest's preservation is crucial in maintaining a favourable atmosphere, preventing rocks from emitting heat and causing turbulence that distorts celestial bodies. Kavalur, enjoying about 2000 clear nights annually, rivals Mount Palomar's availability. Located far from city lights, it remains easily accessible by road. Operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, the telescope upholds a rich legacy from the East India Company's 1782 observatory in Madras. Significant discoveries were made after relocating to Kodaikanal in 1934, and vintage equipment, including an 18th-century clock, remains. Seeking an ideal site post-independence, Kavalur was chosen, evolving into a well-organized campus housing a 40-inch telescope. Ongoing advancements include a 30-inch telescope and plans for a groundbreaking 90-inch telescope by 1980, showcasing Indian engineers' competence in telescope fabrication.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
The documents were transferred to the IIA archives and have been preserved
Accruals
Further accruals are not expected
System of arrangement
Arranged roughly by events
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Researchers must sign IIA Archival access agreement
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright is retained by IIA Archives
Language of material
English
Script of material
Latin
Language and script notes
The document is in English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
The document is in good condition, and the texts are clear and readable
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
The originals were located in IIA Archives
Existence and location of copies
The original files are transferred to Bangalore campus, then processed and archived
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Vainu Bappu Observatory (Subject)
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Archival description is based on ISAD(G), second edition.
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
English
Script(s)
Latin
Sources
Archivist's note
Processed by IIA Archives