General Awareness ยท Physics
Indian Observatories and Astronomy
2,525 Questions
Indian observatories and astronomy questions cover national research institutions, space telescopes, radio telescopes, and historic astronomical events. These facts are highly relevant for the general awareness section of UPSC and state PSC exams. Solve these questions to memorize key observatories and their specific functions.
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Indian Observatories and Astronomy Questions
What is the name of the radio telescope located in Pune, Maharashtra?
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Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
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Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
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Uttar Pradesh State Observatory (UPSO)
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Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is a radio telescope located in Pune, Maharashtra. It is an array of 30 fully steerable parabolic radio telescopes, each with a diameter of 45 meters.
Which of the following observatories is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand?
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Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
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Uttar Pradesh State Observatory (UPSO)
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Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand. It is a premier research institute in the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
What is the name of the observatory located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh?
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Uttar Pradesh State Observatory (UPSO)
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Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
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National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Uttar Pradesh State Observatory (UPSO) is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is the oldest astronomical observatory in India.
Which of the following observatories is located in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu?
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Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
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National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)
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Raman Research Institute (RRI)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO) is located in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu. It is the largest optical telescope in India.
What is the name of the observatory located in Bangalore, Karnataka?
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
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National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)
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Raman Research Institute (RRI)
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Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is located in Bangalore, Karnataka. It is a premier research institute in the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
Which of the following observatories is located in Pune, Maharashtra?
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National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)
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Raman Research Institute (RRI)
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Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
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Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) is located in Pune, Maharashtra. It is a premier research institute in the field of radio astronomy.
What is the name of the observatory located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat?
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Raman Research Institute (RRI)
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Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
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Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
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Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is a premier research institute in the field of space and atmospheric sciences.
Which of the following observatories is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra?
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Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
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Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
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Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
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Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP)
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a premier research institute in the field of fundamental sciences.
What is the name of the planetarium located in New Delhi?
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Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
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Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP)
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Birla Planetarium
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Nehru Planetarium
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP) is located in New Delhi. It is the largest planetarium in India.
Which of the following planetariums is located in Kolkata, West Bengal?
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Birla Planetarium
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Nehru Planetarium
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Tagore Planetarium
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Science City Planetarium
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Birla Planetarium is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is the oldest planetarium in India.
Which of the following planetariums is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu?
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Tagore Planetarium
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Science City Planetarium
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Priyadarshini Planetarium
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Chennai Planetarium
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Chennai Planetarium is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is the third oldest planetarium in India.
What is the name of the planetarium located in Hyderabad, Telangana?
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Science City Planetarium
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Priyadarshini Planetarium
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Chennai Planetarium
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Hyderabad Planetarium
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Hyderabad Planetarium is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is the fourth oldest planetarium in India.
Which of the following planetariums is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat?
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Priyadarshini Planetarium
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Chennai Planetarium
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Hyderabad Planetarium
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Gujarat Science City Planetarium
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Gujarat Science City Planetarium is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is the fifth oldest planetarium in India.
How did Indian astronomy contribute to the development of astronomy in Australia?
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Through cultural exchanges between Indian and Australian civilizations
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Through the spread of Indian astronomical texts to Australia
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Through the establishment of observatories in Australia
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None of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
There is no evidence of direct influence or contribution of Indian astronomy to the development of astronomy in Australia. The astronomical knowledge and practices of Aboriginal Australian cultures were largely independent of Indian astronomy.
Which Indian observatory is renowned for its pioneering work in asteroid research and has discovered numerous near-Earth objects (NEOs)?
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Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
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Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
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Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
ARIES, located in Nainital, Uttarakhand, has played a significant role in asteroid research. It has discovered several NEOs and contributed to the study of their physical and orbital characteristics.