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
Which space observatory was launched in 2002 and is designed to study gamma ray emissions from celestial objects?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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Chandra X-ray Observatory
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Compton Gamma Ray Observatory
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Cosmic Background Explorer
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) was launched in 1991 and was designed to study gamma ray emissions from celestial objects, such as pulsars, blazars, and supernova remnants.
Which space observatory was launched in 2003 and is designed to study infrared emissions from celestial objects?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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Chandra X-ray Observatory
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Spitzer Space Telescope
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Cosmic Background Explorer
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Spitzer Space Telescope (SST) was launched in 2003 and is designed to study infrared emissions from celestial objects, such as star-forming regions, galaxies, and planets.
Which space observatory was launched in 2009 and is designed to study ultraviolet and visible light emissions from celestial objects?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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Chandra X-ray Observatory
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Spitzer Space Telescope
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Kepler Space Telescope
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was launched in 1990 and is designed to study ultraviolet and visible light emissions from celestial objects, such as stars, galaxies, and planets.
Which space observatory was launched in 2013 and is designed to study the polarization of light from celestial objects?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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Chandra X-ray Observatory
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Spitzer Space Telescope
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James Webb Space Telescope
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched in 2021 and is designed to study the polarization of light from celestial objects, such as stars, galaxies, and planets.
Which ancient Indian observatory was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Takshashila Observatory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Maharaja Jai Singh II built five Jantar Mantars in different cities across India, including Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura.
Which ancient Indian observatory is known for its unique sundial, the Samrat Yantra?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Takshashila Observatory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Samrat Yantra is a large sundial located at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi. It is one of the largest sundials in the world and was used to measure time accurately.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the city of Ujjain?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Takshashila Observatory
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Ujjain Observatory was an important astronomical center in ancient India. It was located in the city of Ujjain, which was a major center of learning and astronomy.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the city of Nalanda?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Takshashila Observatory
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Nalanda Observatory was an important astronomical center in ancient India. It was located in the city of Nalanda, which was a major center of learning and astronomy.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the city of Takshashila?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Takshashila Observatory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Takshashila Observatory was an important astronomical center in ancient India. It was located in the city of Takshashila, which was a major center of learning and astronomy.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the city of Varanasi?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Varanasi Observatory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Varanasi Observatory was an important astronomical center in ancient India. It was located in the city of Varanasi, which was a major center of learning and astronomy.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the city of Mathura?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Mathura Observatory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Mathura Observatory was an important astronomical center in ancient India. It was located in the city of Mathura, which was a major center of learning and astronomy.
Which ancient Indian observatory was located in the city of Pataliputra?
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Jantar Mantar
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Ujjain Observatory
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Nalanda Observatory
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Pataliputra Observatory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Pataliputra Observatory was an important astronomical center in ancient India. It was located in the city of Pataliputra, which was a major center of learning and astronomy.
What is the name of the Indian space telescope that was launched to study X-ray sources in the universe?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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James Webb Space Telescope
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Chandra X-ray Observatory
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ASTROSAT
D
Correct answer
Explanation
ASTROSAT, also known as the Indian Space Observatory, is a space telescope designed to study X-ray sources in the universe.
What is the name of the Indian space telescope that was launched to study infrared sources in the universe?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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James Webb Space Telescope
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Spitzer Space Telescope
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IRSAT-1
D
Correct answer
Explanation
IRSAT-1, also known as the Indian Infrared Space Observatory, is a space telescope designed to study infrared sources in the universe.
What is the name of the Indian space telescope that was launched to study ultraviolet sources in the universe?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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James Webb Space Telescope
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GALEX
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ASTROSAT
D
Correct answer
Explanation
ASTROSAT, also known as the Indian Space Observatory, is a space telescope designed to study X-ray sources in the universe.