Pune to become global astronomical research hub with IUCAA 2.0
Pune to become global astronomical research hub with IUCAA 2.0
Pune is set to become a major 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 bolster the city’s role in global astronomical projects.
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.
Established in 1988 within Savitribai Phule Pune University, IUCAA is now expanding almost twice its current size. The construction of the new ‘Academic and Research Building-IUCAA II’ is fast approaching completion, with an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore. This expansion will make Pune a laboratory for giant astronomical projects, featuring state-of-the-art facilities.
IUCAA 2.0 will include advanced laboratories for various astronomical projects. A separate underground lab for the LIGO project is being built to minimize vibrations, essential for sensitive optical and radio physics experiments. The facility will also feature an optics lab, a clean room, and a radio physics lab. Additionally, the data from the Astrosat satellite, which is currently studied at IUCAA, will benefit from the new lab’s advanced capabilities.
The expansion will accommodate a significant increase in IUCAA’s faculty and staff, which has grown by nearly 40 percent. The number of students has doubled, necessitating new laboratories and classrooms. IUCAA 2.0 aims to support research needs for the next 25 to 30 years, providing the necessary infrastructure for both professors and students.
IUCAA 2.0 will be pivotal in developing the skilled manpower and technicians required for mega astronomical projects. MSc students will have the opportunity to conduct experiments, followed by a one-year researcher training program. This comprehensive training will prepare researchers for actual experimental work, ensuring a steady stream of qualified professionals in the field.
Key features of IUCAA 2.0 include the creation of laboratories for mega projects, the construction of a 200-seat auditorium, the renovation of the science park with state-of-the-art facilities, and special arrangements for research visitors. With the completion of IUCAA 2.0, Pune will solidify its status as a leading hub for astronomical research. The expanded facilities will foster significant advancements in the field and train the next generation of scientists, positioning India at the forefront of global astronomical endeavors.
