Astronomical Observatory, University of Kerala

The foundation stone for the Trivandrum observatory was laid in 1836 and it started functioning in 1837 during the reign of His Highness Swathi Thirunal. The Astronomical Observatory started functioning on activities of standardization of local time by star observations with the transit circle (telescope), the calculation of astronomical data for the Government (Sircar) almanac & directory, and in helping visitors at star gazing with the help of the equatorial telescope.Historical evidence points to the establishment ofanother observatory on theAgasthiyar Peak in the Western Ghatsin 1855. Active research from the twin observatories resulted in scientific productions in the reputed journal “Nature” in 1872. In the 1890’s the institution was divided into two sections one on astronomical observations and another on meteorological observations. In 1951, the meteorology section of the Observatory was taken over by the Government of India and the Astronomical section by the State Government. The Astronomical Observatory remained under the administrative control of the Board of Revenue henceforth. In 1975 the Astronomical Observatory was given to the University of Kerala to start a course in Weather Physics. The Astronomical Observatory was the University's first center with its own annual financial outlayand was placed under the administrative control of an Honorary Director. Dr. K. S. Viswanathan, Founder Head of the Department of Physicsand student of Noble laureate Sir. C. V. Raman was given charge as the Honorary Director of the Observatory. Today the Observatory is headed by Dr. R. Jayakrishnan, Associate Professor from the University Department of Physics.

The geographical location of the Trivandrum Observatory is 80 30’ Northern latitude and 760 59’ Eastern longitude. Research and academic activities are pursued from the observatory by facilitating graduate and post-graduate internships and dissertation works. Doctoral students in Solar Physics, Cosmology, Astronomy, and Astrophysics are encouraged to use the facilities at the observatory for their data collection.

Outreach
The observatory today worksonthe calculation of astronomical data as per requestsfor calendar preparation from religious bodies. Star gazing with the help of the array of telescopes available is open to the public on all weekdays between 06:30 PM to 08:00 PM. Public lectures on astronomy are organized frequently.

Recent Publications

• Jayakrishnan, R. Rejuvenation of an ancient observatory in southern India. Nat Astron 7, 506–508 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-01956-4
• R. Jayakrishnan et al 2023 Res. Notes AAS 7 44 https://doi.org/10.3847/2515-5172/acc185
• Jayakrishnan, R. History of an observatory on the Agasthiyar hill top. Indian J Hist. Sci. 58, 40–47 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43539-023-00070-8

For Visiting the Observatory/Research Activities, Contact
Honorary Director
Astronomical Observatory
University of Kerala
Observatory Hills, Thiruvananthapuram-695033
Ph: 0471-2303732
Email: observatory@keralauniversity.ac.in