Current Science

N. Kameswara Rao ¹, A. Vagiswari ¹, Christina Birdie ¹

Affiliations
1 Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

It has been about 115 years since the establishment of Kodaikanal Observatory as an extension of the original Madras Observatory, which has evolved into the present Indian Institute of Astrophysics at Bangalore. It is also the first mountain observatory in India. Charles Michie Smith was the man who selected the site, established the observatory and directed it for the first 12 years. He was also the man who recruited John Evershed, discoverer of the famous Evershed effect and established Kodaikanal Observatory as a major centre for solar physics. Michie Smith, the person and the establishment of Kodaikanal Observatory are discussed here in the context of the early studies in physical astronomy (observational astrophysics) in India.

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N. Kameswara Rao ¹, Christina Birdie ¹, A. Vagiswari ¹

Affiliations
1 Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore 560 034, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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K. Ramasubramanian ¹, N. Kameswara Rao ²

Affiliations
1 Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, IN
2 Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru 560 034, IN

Abstract

Benjamin Franklin once said: ‘Some people die at twenty-five and aren’t buried until they are seventy-five’. Obviously he refers to those who do not have any zest for life – and are not uncommon to see around. Unlike such people, B. V. Subbarayappa is one among those who live even after their death. He remains, and would ever remain as a colossus in the area of history of science, culture and philosophy in India. We offer here a personalized appreciation of him as an individual and a multifaceted scholar.

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