Pune to become international hub for astronomy with IUCAA 2.0 Expansion
Pune is poised to become an important center for astronomical research with the expansion of the Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). The new facility, named IUCAA 2.0, is expected to be completed by 2025 and will significantly enhance the city’s role in global astronomical research.
Giant experiments are being undertaken worldwide for astronomical research, and India is contributing with space telescopes and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO India). IUCAA is playing a crucial role in these mega projects, acting as a catalyst for conceptualization, technical experimentation, skilled manpower generation, and scientific research.
Expansion and Equipment
The construction of the new ‘Academic and Research Building-IUCAA II’ is nearing completion, with an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore. This expansion will nearly double IUCAA’s current size, transforming Pune into a premier location for large-scale astronomical projects. The facility will feature state-of-the-art laboratories essential for various astronomical research activities.
IUCAA 2.0 will house advanced labs for numerous astronomical projects, including a dedicated underground lab for the LIGO project to minimize vibrations critical for sensitive optical and radio physics experiments. Additionally, the facility will include an optics lab, a clean room, and a radio physics lab. Data from the Astrosat satellite, currently analyzed at IUCAA, will benefit significantly from these enhanced capabilities.
Contribution to Global Research
India is actively participating and contributing to global astronomical research through initiatives like space telescopes and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO India). IUCAA plays a vital role in these mega projects by facilitating conceptualization, technical experimentation, skilled manpower generation, and scientific research.
Established in 1988 within Savitribai Phule Pune University, IUCAA has been pivotal in advancing India’s contributions to astronomy. The expansion aims to support research needs for the next 25 to 30 years by providing the necessary infrastructure for both professors and students.
Growth and Development
The expansion will see a significant increase in IUCAA’s faculty and staff, which has already grown by nearly 40 percent. The number of students has doubled, necessitating new laboratories and classrooms. Key features of IUCAA 2.0 include creating laboratories for mega projects, constructing a 200-seat auditorium, renovating the science park with modern facilities, and making special arrangements for research visitors.
“The expanded facilities will foster significant advancements in the field and train the next generation of scientists,” said an official from IUCAA. “This comprehensive training will prepare researchers for actual experimental work.”
Training Future Astronomers
IUCAA 2.0 will be instrumental in developing the skilled manpower and technicians required for large-scale astronomical projects. MSc students will have opportunities to conduct experiments followed by a one-year researcher training program. This thorough training ensures a steady stream of qualified professionals ready to contribute to global astronomical endeavors.
The completion of IUCAA 2.0 will elevate Pune’s status as a leading center for astronomical research. The expanded facilities are expected to drive significant advancements in astronomy while positioning India at the forefront of global efforts in this field.
The enhanced capabilities at IUCAA will not only benefit current research but also pave the way for future discoveries. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and increased capacity, Pune is set to become an important contributor in international astronomical research.
