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
Which of the following observatories is located in Mumbai?
-
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
-
Nalanda University Observatory
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research is located in Mumbai and was established in 1945.
Which of the following observatories is located in Kolkata?
-
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
-
Nalanda University Observatory
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Indian Institute of Astrophysics
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics is located in Kolkata and was established in 1971.
Which of the following observatories is located in Chennai?
-
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
-
Nalanda University Observatory
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Vainu Bappu Observatory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Vainu Bappu Observatory is located in Chennai and was established in 1968.
Which of the following observatories is located in Delhi?
-
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
-
Nalanda University Observatory
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences is located in Delhi and was established in 1954.
Which of the following observatories is located in Bhopal?
-
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
-
Nalanda University Observatory
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Physical Research Laboratory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Physical Research Laboratory is located in Bhopal and was established in 1947.
Which of the following observatories is located in Hyderabad?
-
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
-
Nalanda University Observatory
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Osmania University Observatory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Osmania University Observatory is located in Hyderabad and was established in 1965.
Which ancient Indian observatory is considered the oldest in the world?
-
Jantar Mantar
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Nalanda Observatory
-
Takshashila Observatory
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Ujjain Observatory, established in the 5th century BCE, is believed to be the oldest astronomical observatory in the world.
Which ancient Indian observatory was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II?
-
Jantar Mantar
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Nalanda Observatory
-
Takshashila Observatory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed five Jantar Mantars, astronomical observatories, in various cities across India, including Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the ancient city of Nalanda?
-
Jantar Mantar
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Nalanda Observatory
-
Takshashila Observatory
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Nalanda Observatory was located in the ancient city of Nalanda, a renowned center of learning and scholarship in ancient India.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the ancient city of Takshashila?
-
Jantar Mantar
-
Ujjain Observatory
-
Nalanda Observatory
-
Takshashila Observatory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Takshashila Observatory was located in the ancient city of Takshashila, a renowned center of learning and scholarship in ancient India.
Which of the following is a major research facility operated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)?
-
Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Facility
-
Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
-
National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL)
-
Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG)
A
Correct answer
Explanation
IITM operates the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Facility, a network of ground-based observatories that collect data on atmospheric radiation and aerosols.
Which Indian telescope is located at the Devasthal Observatory in Uttarakhand and is used for optical and infrared astronomy?
-
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
-
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
-
Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
-
Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT)
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) is located at the Devasthal Observatory in Uttarakhand and is used for optical and infrared astronomy.
Which Indian radio telescope array is located near Pune, Maharashtra, and is used for studying cosmic radio waves?
-
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
-
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
-
Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
-
Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT)
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is located near Pune, Maharashtra, and is used for studying cosmic radio waves.
The ancient Indian observatory at Ujjain was known as:
-
Jantar Mantar
-
Vedhshala
-
Rashtriya Shaala
-
Vigyan Bhavan
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The ancient Indian observatory at Ujjain was known as Vedhshala. It was a significant center for astronomical studies and observations in ancient India.
The ancient Indian observatory at Varanasi was known as:
-
Jantar Mantar
-
Vedhshala
-
Rashtriya Shaala
-
Vigyan Bhavan
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The ancient Indian observatory at Varanasi was known as Vedhshala. It was a significant center for astronomical studies and observations in ancient India.