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.

Optical telescopes in IndiaRadio telescopes IndiaAstronomical research institutesSpace observatory missions

Indian Observatories and Astronomy Questions

Multiple choice

Which gamma-ray observatory is known for its ability to study gamma-rays in the keV energy range?

  1. Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory

  2. Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

  3. Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission

  4. CZT
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

CZT is the Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager aboard the NuSTAR mission. It is known for its ability to study gamma-rays in the keV energy range, making it a valuable tool for studying black holes, neutron stars, and other compact objects.

Multiple choice

Which Indian government agency is responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to astronomy and space science?

  1. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

  2. Department of Space (DOS)

  3. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)

  4. Ministry of Science and Technology (MST)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Department of Space (DOS) is the nodal agency of the Government of India responsible for all matters relating to space science, technology, and applications.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory played a significant role in the discovery and study of asteroids?

  1. Udaipur Solar Observatory

  2. Vainu Bappu Observatory

  3. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope

  4. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Vainu Bappu Observatory, located in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, played a significant role in the discovery and study of asteroids by Indian astronomers.

Multiple choice

How many asteroids have been discovered by Indian astronomers?

  1. Over 100

  2. Over 500

  3. Over 1000

  4. Over 2000
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Indian astronomers have discovered over 1000 asteroids, contributing significantly to the global knowledge of these celestial objects.

Multiple choice

How many Indian astronomers have received the prestigious Padma Shri award for their contributions to astronomy?

  1. 5

  2. 10

  3. 15

  4. 20
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

15 Indian astronomers have received the prestigious Padma Shri award for their contributions to astronomy.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical society that promotes the study of astronomy and space science?

  1. Astronomical Society of India

  2. Indian Astronomical Society

  3. Society for Astronomical Sciences

  4. Indian Society for Astronomy and Astrophysics
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Astronomical Society of India is the premier astronomical society in India that promotes the study of astronomy and space science.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the oldest astronomical observatory in India?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Aryabhata Observatory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Ujjain Observatory, also known as the Vedhshala, is the oldest astronomical observatory in India. It was built in the 5th century BC by the astronomer Varahamihira.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Aryabhata Observatory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Varanasi?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Aryabhata Observatory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Aryabhata Observatory is located in Varanasi and was established in 1954.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Hyderabad?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Osmania University Observatory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Osmania University Observatory is located in Hyderabad and was established in 1965.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Kodaikanal?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is located in Kodaikanal and was established in 1899.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Nainital?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences is located in Nainital and was established in 1954.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Pune?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope is located in Pune and was established in 1990.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Jodhpur?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Physical Research Laboratory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Physical Research Laboratory is located in Jodhpur and was established in 1947.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Bangalore?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Nalanda University Observatory

  3. Ujjain Observatory

  4. Vainu Bappu Observatory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Vainu Bappu Observatory is located in Bangalore and was established in 1968.