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

Multiple choice

Which Indian university has a dedicated Centre for Cosmology and Astrophysics?

  1. University of Delhi

  2. Indian Institute of Science

  3. University of Mumbai

  4. Jawaharlal Nehru University
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has a dedicated Centre for Cosmology and Astrophysics, which conducts research in various areas of cosmology and astrophysics.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian telescope located at the Devasthal Observatory in Uttarakhand?

  1. Himalayan Chandra Telescope

  2. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Telescope

  3. Vainu Bappu Observatory Telescope

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

The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) is a 2-meter optical telescope located at the Devasthal Observatory in Uttarakhand, India.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian initiative aimed at promoting research and education in gravitational waves?

  1. Indian Gravitational Waves Initiative

  2. Astrophysics Research Centre

  3. National Centre for Astrophysics

  4. Cosmic Frontier Initiative
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Indian Gravitational Waves Initiative (IGWI) is a collaborative effort among Indian institutions and international partners to promote research and education in gravitational waves.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian telescope located at the Hanle Observatory in Ladakh?

  1. Himalayan Chandra Telescope

  2. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Telescope

  3. Vainu Bappu Observatory Telescope

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

The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) is a 2-meter optical telescope located at the Hanle Observatory in Ladakh, India.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian observatory was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

  4. Konark Sun Temple
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. It consists of a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, including sundials, quadrants, and astrolabes.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian observatory is located in the state of Bihar and is associated with the ancient university of Nalanda?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

  4. Konark Sun Temple
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Nalanda Observatory is an ancient Indian observatory located in the state of Bihar. It is associated with the ancient university of Nalanda, which was a renowned center of learning in ancient India.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian observatory is known for its unique collection of astronomical instruments made of stone?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

  4. Konark Sun Temple
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Jantar Mantar is an ancient Indian observatory known for its unique collection of astronomical instruments made of stone. These instruments were used to make accurate observations of celestial bodies.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian observatory is known for its unique collection of astronomical instruments made of metal?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

  4. Konark Sun Temple
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Jantar Mantar is an ancient Indian observatory known for its unique collection of astronomical instruments made of metal. These instruments were used to make accurate observations of celestial bodies.

Multiple choice

Which type of telescope is primarily used for observing radio waves?

  1. Optical telescope

  2. Radio telescope

  3. Infrared telescope

  4. X-ray telescope
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Radio telescopes are specifically designed to detect and observe radio waves emitted by astronomical objects.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the observatory that was built to detect gravitational waves from pulsars?

  1. LIGO

  2. VIRGO

  3. Arecibo Observatory

  4. Green Bank Telescope
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is a pair of large-scale interferometers built to detect gravitational waves.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the gravitational wave observatory that is located in Italy?

  1. LIGO

  2. VIRGO

  3. Arecibo Observatory

  4. Green Bank Telescope
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

VIRGO is a gravitational wave observatory that is located in Italy.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the gravitational wave observatory that is located in Japan?

  1. LIGO

  2. VIRGO

  3. KAGRA

  4. Green Bank Telescope
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

KAGRA is a gravitational wave observatory that is located in Japan.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

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

Jantar Mantar, a series of astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, is a testament to the advanced astronomical knowledge and instrumentation in ancient India.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

  4. Takshashila Observatory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Ujjain Observatory was built in the 5th century BC and is considered to be the oldest known astronomical observatory in India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following ancient Indian observatories is located in Delhi?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

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

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory located in Delhi, India, and was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II.