General Awareness ยท Physics

Indian Observatories and Astronomy

2,231 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

What is the name of the Indian observatory that is dedicated to observing cosmic rays?

  1. Himalayan Cosmic Ray Observatory (HiCOR)

  2. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  3. AstroSat

  4. LIGO India
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Himalayan Cosmic Ray Observatory (HiCOR) is an Indian observatory located in the Himalayas, which is dedicated to observing cosmic rays.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

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

The Ujjain Observatory, also known as the Vedh Shala, is the oldest astronomical observatory in India. It is believed to have been built in the 5th century BCE by the astronomer Varahamihira.

Multiple choice

Who built the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?

  1. Sawai Jai Singh II

  2. Raja Man Singh

  3. Akbar

  4. Shah Jahan
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur was built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Jaipur, in the early 18th century.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Varanasi?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

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

The Man Mandir Observatory is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh.

Multiple choice

What is the main instrument at the Man Mandir Observatory?

  1. Samrat Yantra

  2. Jai Prakash Yantra

  3. Rashivalaya Yantra

  4. Vrihat Samrat Yantra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The main instrument at the Man Mandir Observatory is the Vrihat Samrat Yantra. It is a sundial that is used to measure the time of day.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Delhi?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

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

The Yantra Mahal Observatory is located in Delhi. It was built in the 16th century by Raja Jai Singh II.

Multiple choice

What is the main instrument at the Yantra Mahal Observatory?

  1. Samrat Yantra

  2. Jai Prakash Yantra

  3. Rashivalaya Yantra

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

The main instrument at the Yantra Mahal Observatory is the Misra Yantra. It is a sundial that is used to measure the time of day.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Mathura?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

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

The Govardhan Hill Observatory is located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh.

Multiple choice

What is the main instrument at the Govardhan Hill Observatory?

  1. Samrat Yantra

  2. Jai Prakash Yantra

  3. Rashivalaya Yantra

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

The main instrument at the Govardhan Hill Observatory is the Digamsha Yantra. It is an instrument that is used to measure the altitude of the sun.

Multiple choice

Which of the following observatories is located in Hyderabad?

  1. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

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

The Charminar Observatory is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It was built in the 16th century by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.

Multiple choice

What is the main instrument at the Charminar Observatory?

  1. Samrat Yantra

  2. Jai Prakash Yantra

  3. Rashivalaya Yantra

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

The main instrument at the Charminar Observatory is the Naubat Khana. It is a drum tower that was used to announce the time of day.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian observatory that is considered a significant example of astronomical architecture?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Sun Temple

  3. Brihadeeswarar Temple

  4. Khajuraho Temples
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Jantar Mantar is a collection of astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. These observatories feature various instruments, including sundials, quadrants, and astrolabes, which were used to study the positions and movements of celestial bodies.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory played a significant role in the observations of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9's fragmentation?

  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

Vainu Bappu Observatory played a significant role in the observations of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9's fragmentation.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the comet that disintegrated in 2006, as observed by Indian astronomers?

  1. Comet McNaught

  2. Comet Hyakutake

  3. Comet Hale-Bopp

  4. Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Comet McNaught was the comet that disintegrated in 2006, as observed by Indian astronomers.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory played a significant role in the observations of Comet McNaught's disintegration?

  1. Vainu Bappu Observatory

  2. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope

  3. Udaipur Solar Observatory

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

Vainu Bappu Observatory played a significant role in the observations of Comet McNaught's disintegration.