Hyderabad: Osmania vice-chancellor, Prof. S. Ramachandram, said the varsity is exploring all options to bring back the lost glory of the two observatories. He maintained that they were hopeful of a turnaround in the centenary year.
Osmania is the only varsity in the country that has an astronomy department, offering PG and research studies in Astronomy and Astrophysics. While OU created its astronomy department back in 1959, Udaipur and Pondiche-rry Universities have only recently joined the list. Udaipur University has installed a 0.5 metre state-of-the-art telescope that costs over Rs 1.5 crore and Osmania officials proposed procuring the same one for the Japal-Rangapur Observatory, which earlier had a 1.2 metre telescope that is outdated.
The JRO, which was established in the mid-’60s is still suitable for astronomy-related studies. Although the city has witnessed a big expansion over the past few decades, the JRO is still convenient for research because it has been established over an area of over 200 acres.
Officials have estimated that a complete make-over of the JRO will cost at least Rs 2 to Rs 3 crore.
Meanwhile, the K.V. Rao Science Society is keen on partnering with Osmania University to revive the Nizamia Observatory for the benefit of students.
“The building and nearby structures are in a bad condition. We contacted Osmania to help revive it and that can help students from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh – they can visit the site and know more about the sky and the Universe. If all goes well, we will soon be entering into an agreement with the varsity,” a member of the society said.
