Indian Institute of Astrophysics

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), headquartered in Bengaluru, is an autonomous research institute wholly funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It conducts research in astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields, covering areas such as the Sun and Solar System, stellar and galactic astronomy, cosmology and theoretical astrophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and space astronomy. IIA maintains a network of laboratories and observatories across India, including the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, the Vainu Bappu Observatory at Kavalur, the Gauribidanur Radio Observatory, the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle, and a facility at Hosakote. The institute contributed to Astrosat, India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, leading development of the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT). Its origins trace back to a private observatory set up by William Petrie in Chennai, later taken over by the East India Company, and eventually leading to the founding of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in 1899. In 1971, the former Astrophysical Observatory was converted into an autonomous research institute known as the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, functioning under the Department of Science and Technology. The institute awards PhD and Integrated MTech-PhD degrees. Notable faculty include Vainu Bappu, Vinod Krishan, and Annapurni Subramaniam.