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

What is the name of the Indian observatory that discovered the first extrasolar planet orbiting a Sun-like star, 51 Pegasi b?

  1. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)

  2. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  3. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

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

The Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO) is located in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, and is known for its discovery of the first extrasolar planet orbiting a Sun-like star, 51 Pegasi b, in 1995.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory was involved in the discovery of the first brown dwarf, Teide 1?

  1. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

  2. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  3. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  4. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and was involved in the discovery of the first brown dwarf, Teide 1, in 1995.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian observatory that made the first detection of a black hole candidate, Cygnus X-1?

  1. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  2. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)

  3. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  4. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO) is located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and is known for its first detection of a black hole candidate, Cygnus X-1, in 1971.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory was involved in the discovery of the first quasar, 3C 273?

  1. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)

  2. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  3. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

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

The Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO) is located in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, and was involved in the discovery of the first quasar, 3C 273, in 1963.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian observatory that discovered the first radio galaxy, Cygnus A?

  1. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  2. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)

  3. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  4. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is located near Pune, Maharashtra, and is known for its discovery of the first radio galaxy, Cygnus A, in 1946.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory was involved in the discovery of the first supernova remnant, Cassiopeia A?

  1. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

  2. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  3. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  4. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and was involved in the discovery of the first supernova remnant, Cassiopeia A, in 1979.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian observatory that made the first detection of a gamma-ray burst, GRB 970228?

  1. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  2. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)

  3. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  4. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO) is located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and is known for its first detection of a gamma-ray burst, GRB 970228, in 1997.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory was involved in the discovery of the first extragalactic planetary nebula, NGC 2392?

  1. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)

  2. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  3. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

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

The Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO) is located in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, and was involved in the discovery of the first extragalactic planetary nebula, NGC 2392, in 1964.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian observatory that discovered the first double quasar, Q0957+561 A and B?

  1. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  2. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)

  3. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  4. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO) is located in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, and is known for its discovery of the first double quasar, Q0957+561 A and B, in 1979.

Multiple choice

Which Indian observatory was involved in the discovery of the first gravitational lens, Q0957+561?

  1. Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

  2. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)

  3. Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO)

  4. Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and was involved in the discovery of the first gravitational lens, Q0957+561, in 1979.

Multiple choice

Which private organization is actively involved in promoting astronomy education and outreach in India?

  1. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

  2. National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)

  3. Vigyan Prasar

  4. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Vigyan Prasar is a private organization dedicated to promoting science education and outreach in India. It plays a significant role in popularizing astronomy among the general public through various initiatives such as science exhibitions, workshops, and publications.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the private foundation established by the Tata Group to support astronomy and astrophysics research in India?

  1. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)

  2. National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)

  3. Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)

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

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is a private foundation established by the Tata Group to support astronomy and astrophysics research in India. TIFR has made significant contributions to the field through its research facilities and collaborations with international institutions.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the private observatory located in Rajasthan that is dedicated to promoting astronomy among the public?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Birla Planetarium

  3. Prithvi Planetarium

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

Birla Planetarium is a private observatory located in Rajasthan that is dedicated to promoting astronomy among the public. It features exhibits, shows, and educational programs that aim to engage visitors with the wonders of the universe.

Multiple choice

Which private organization has established a network of observatories across India to promote astronomical research and education?

  1. Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)

  2. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

  3. National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)

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

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) has established a network of observatories across India to promote astronomical research and education. ARIES's observatories are equipped with advanced instruments and facilities, enabling astronomers to conduct cutting-edge research in various areas of astronomy.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the private foundation that supports astronomy research and education in India through grants and scholarships?

  1. Tata Education and Development Trust

  2. Azim Premji Foundation

  3. Reliance Foundation

  4. Infosys Foundation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Tata Education and Development Trust supports astronomy research and education in India through grants and scholarships. The trust provides financial assistance to students and researchers pursuing studies in astronomy, contributing to the development of human capital in the field.