Vainu Bappu Observatory

Vainu Bappu Observatory is the Indian Institute of Astrophysics' principal optical-astronomy campus at Kavalur and the home of the 2.3-metre Vainu Bappu Telescope. Its current Saturday public programme runs from afternoon into evening, taking visitors through the working observatory to learn about the main telescope and the Solar Tower Telescope's projected solar image and spectrum. Weather permitting, the visit continues with guided night-sky observing through smaller telescopes and high-powered binoculars. The institute publishes ticket sales at the security gate, dedicated evening stargazing entry times, and free admission for children under twelve.