Early Astronomical Observations in India
1. William Petrie’s Private Observatory (1786) – Masulipatnam
William Petrie, an officer of the East India Company, conducted the first recorded astronomical observations in India.
On 5 December 1786, he calculated the latitude and longitude of Masulipatnam Fort.
His private observatory, set up on the terrace of his residence, was equipped with:
An astronomical clock
A transit instrument (for precise star positioning)
Two or three telescopes
2. Nizamia Observatory (1908) – Hyderabad
India’s first modern astronomical observatory was established in Hyderabad in 1908 by the Nizam’s government.
It marked a major step forward in systematic, modern astronomy in India.
These observatories played a crucial role in advancing astronomy in India, bridging the gap between early observations and modern scientific research!
