Stargazing Odyssey: A Journey Through South India's Astronomical Marvels

A visual diary of cosmic proportions - where science meets adventure!


Hey friends! 


This blog is more than just a travel log - it's a living, breathing record of an astronomical expedition that has etched itself permanently into my memory. Consider this a teaser, a cosmic appetizer if you will, with stunning visuals that hint at the incredible journey we've just completed.

Pro tip: Please choose the photo in which you find me to be the most handsome. I know it's difficult, but do let me know, so I can give more such poses for the world! 

A visual diary of cosmic proportions - where science meets adventure!

Imagine a bunch of amateur astronomers getting unprecedented access to some of India's most incredible scientific facilities - sounds like a dream, right? Well, this wasn't just a trip; this was a backstage pass to the universe's most exclusive scientific venues.


From the lush landscapes of Trivandrum to the heights of Ooty, from the solar-watching magic of Kodaikanal to the magnificent telescope at Kavalur, we traversed South India's astronomical wonderland. These aren't just locations; they're temples of scientific exploration where groundbreaking research happens daily.


What made this journey extraordinary wasn't just the breathtaking landscapes or the cutting-edge technology we witnessed. It was the passionate scientists who opened their world to us, sharing insights into professional astronomy - a realm that requires massive government investments, sophisticated technology, and decades of dedicated research.


Sneak Peek of Our Route:

- Trivandrum ➡️ Coimbatore

- Ooty (Cosmic Ray Laboratory & Radio Telescope)

- Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

- Jolarpettai (Home to India's second-largest telescope at Kavalur)


Each stop was more than a destination; it was a chapter in India's remarkable scientific narrative. And trust me, the full stories are coming in subsequent posts where I'll dive deep into each location's unique charm and my personal experiences.


This blog is primarily a photo journal - visual memories captured to preserve this incredible journey. The images will speak volumes, with just these words to provide context and flavor.


Stay tuned for more detailed posts where I'll unravel the magic behind each astronomical marvel we encountered. This is just the beginning of our cosmic adventure! 




P.S. Amateur astronomers, this one's for you - proof that passion can indeed open incredible doors!  



trying to merge with the omnipotent at least in the photo 


that's the closest I will get to getting a plaque 



well we did get to enter ... the gates ... but paid the price 


why are the telescopes in such lush environs? 






Bishopites forever ...

Annapurna Rest in Coimbatore , with a classmate from 10th std , I met after maybe 25 years 


I am posing in front of an atomic clock 

Radio Telescope Ooty, the functionaries explained with such patience  

going to the Vivekananda rock .... no wonder he swam...

mallu coffee , par excellence , dhabba ambiance just is the right choice

juggad siesta.... 


Jolarpatti Station , somewhere in Soth India , waiting for the train to B'lore 



Kavalur , 2.5 mtrs double horse shoe design telescope..  


amateurs discuss with the doyen ... Gaurav from IIA

starbucks ... the coffee that gets one to work , anywhere in India / world 



the Band pose .... we got distracted by the masks behind 








some amazing protein in Coimbatore .... 

Thumba , and the trip gets launched  

I nailed it ....



Comments

  1. Akanksha Srivastava21 December 2024 at 16:11

    Beautiful pics....but I really love the little captions.😃

    ReplyDelete

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