Photographic plates are glass or plastic sheets coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, used for capturing images before the advent of digital photography. Though largely replaced by digital methods, they remained valuable in certain scientific fields, particularly in astronomy, where they played a crucial role in recording celestial events. Our collection includes a rich archive of photographic plates - both physical and digitized, documenting a wide range of astronomical phenomena, including planets, comets, and other significant celestial events.

Photographic slides, also known as transparencies or positives, offer a captivating viewing experience as light passes through them. Slides reproduce the original scene, illuminating light areas brightly and showcasing shadows with depth. Within the archives of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) lies a rich collection of such photographic slides, waiting to be explored. This invaluable repository documents astronomical phenomena, landmark observations, pioneering astronomers, and their innovative instruments. Researchers can immerse themselves into this extensive archive in accordance with the institute’s access policy, tailoring their exploration to suit their specific interests. Each slide offers a window into the cosmos, making the IIA archives a vital resource for anyone seeking to uncover the mysteries of the universe.