India Commemorates 125 Years Of Solar Research With Kodaikanal Observatory Stamp

In a significant tribute to India’s rich legacy in solar science, the Department of Posts released a special commemorative stamp on May 17, 2025, celebrating 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, honouring the observatory’s longstanding contributions to solar astrophysics since its inception in 1899.

Why in News?

The quasquicentennial (125th anniversary) of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was officially marked from April 1, 2024. As part of the celebrations, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative stamp highlighting the observatory’s historic and scientific significance on May 17, 2025.

About the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Established: April 1, 1899
Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India
Affiliation: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
Legacy: A key centre for solar research in India, the observatory has been instrumental in advancing the field of solar astrophysics for over a century.

Features of the Commemorative Stamp

The stamp captures several iconic elements:

The historic twin-domed building of the observatory.
The right dome houses a 6-inch telescope, originally from the Madras Observatory (1850), and moved to Kodaikanal in 1900.
The left dome contains an 8-inch telescope from 1866, relocated to Kodaikanal in 1930.
A recent H-alpha image of the Sun, captured on May 6, 2024, showcasing current solar activity.
The IIA logo and the Butterfly Diagram, which maps sunspot positions from 1904 to 2020, are also featured.

Objectives of the Stamp Release

Celebrate 125 years of pioneering Indian solar observation.
Promote public awareness about India’s contributions to global solar research.
Inspire philatelists, students, and space science enthusiasts by commemorating a key scientific milestone.