If you have an inclination towards science, particularly astronomy, you must visit this place near Ooty. If you have children accompanying you, I recommend you take them along to have first had experience about this research centre.
The Radio Astronomy Centre (RAC) is part of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the well-known Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) which is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Atomic Energy.
Some pictures of RAC.
Here is their website: http://rac.ncra.tifr.res.in
Some specific information from their website:
The Radio Astronomy Centre (RAC) is part of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the well-known Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) which is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Atomic Energy.
Some pictures of RAC.
Here is their website: http://rac.ncra.tifr.res.in
Some specific information from their website:
| The Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT, as it is known) is a cylindrical paraboloid of reflecting surface, 530 m long and 30 m wide, placed on a hill whose slope of about 11 degree in the north-south direction which is the same as the latitude of the location of ORT. This makes it possible to track celestial objects for about 10 hours continously from their rising in east to their setting in the west by simply rotating the antenna mechanically along its long axis. | |
| The Ooty Radio Telescope has been designed and fabricated fully indigenously. The ORT completed in 1970 and continues to be one of the most sensitive radio telescopes in the world. Observations made using this telescope have led to important discoveries and to explain various phenomena occurring in our solar system and in other celestial bodies. I visited this place during my college days to interview a scientist at RAC for my article in the college magazine. I remember asking him what his vision was, and he replied "to find out the origin of the universe'! Although entry is restricted, the RAC encourages students from educational institutions to visit the centre. Others are also allowed with prior permission. Just yesterday I called RAC just to be sure that they still permit visitors. The gentleman who spoke to me was very enthusiastic and said it would be good if the vistors wrote a letter to them, or called them in advance for permission. RAC is located about 1km from Muthorai Village, a pleasant uphill walk. Muthorai village is about 6kms from Ooty. Locals should be able to show you the way. Here is the address. Radio Astronomy Centre National Centre for Radio Astro Physics Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Ooty - 643 001. Ph: 91423 2550334 / 2550335 Fax: 91 423 2550135 |
