The Vainu Bappu Telescope (VBT), located at the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most significant achievements in Indian observational astronomy.
Aperture (Diameter): 2.34 meters (7 feet 8 inches)
Location: Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 725 meters (2,379 feet)
Built by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru
Year of Completion: 1986
Significance: Largest Optical Telescope in Asia (at the time of its installation).
The entire telescope, including the mirror, was designed, manufactured, and installed in India.
The mirror was cast in India and polished at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
Named after Dr. Vainu Bappu (1927–1982), an Indian astronomer who played a pivotal role in setting up modern optical astronomy in India.
Scientific Contributions of the VBT
- Discovery of Asteroids
In 1988, astronomer R. Rajamohan and his team discovered (4130) Ramanujan, an asteroid named after Srinivasa Ramanujan.
- Supernova and Galaxy Studies
Used to observe supernovae, variable stars, and distant galaxies.
- Comet Observations
Played a key role in studying comets, including Halley’s Comet.
- Exoplanet Research
Contributed to exoplanet transit observations in recent years.
Marked India’s entry into large-scale optical astronomy.
Enabled Indian astronomers to conduct independent deep-space research.
Played a key role in training future generations of Indian astrophysicists.
The Vainu Bappu Telescope remains a symbol of India’s self-reliance in scientific instrumentation and continues to contribute to astronomical discoveries.
