G P Birla Astronomical Observatory

The GP Birla Observatory is an Indo-French collaborative effort and is one of the few public observatories functional in India. It houses a C11 Telescope donated by Uranoscope of Paris. It is placed at the top floor of the GP Birla Centre to give clear views of the moon and planets, depending on weather conditions and planetary positions in the night sky. We also observe deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula during winter months.

The GP Birla Observatory is open to the public every day (weather permitting) from sunset until 8:00 PM. The centre closes at 8:30 PM.

Join us on full moon nights each month for our public viewing. Additional telescopes are brought in to facilitate larger viewing and are available for free public viewing. We also have astronomy-related talks in the adjoining classroom at 7:30 PM. From time to time, we also open for special events and solar viewing.

If you are interested in purchasing a telescope or have questions about one that you already own, this is a great way to view a variety of telescopes and learn from our experienced volunteers and science officers. Attendance to the observatory is chargeable and tickets can be purchased for Rs. 50 per person from the booking counter. Children under high school age are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Groups of 20 or more should contact the GP Birla Centre for advance arrangements.

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Private Sessions

Private sessions are available by reservation by contacting the centre. A maximum of 40 people can be scheduled for any session. These sessions incur a nominal fee per person that is payable at the time of reservation. Any formally organised or recognised group should contact the centre for specific arrangements and/or possible fee waivers. All fees will be refunded for events cancelled due to weather.
Observatory Etiquette
We ask that viewers do not physically touch the telescope or eyepiece (it can be tempting for viewers of all ages!) because it is always moving by computer control, Touching it will cause the image to shake. Please refrain from using flashlights or looking at your cellphones during your visit to the observatory. The best viewing is obtained when your eyes are ‘dark adapted’. We use red lights to assist your night vision and looking at bright lights will instantly cause your eyes to react and lose the ability to see fainter objects. This is why flash photography is also not allowed. The observatory staff will choose objects that are available for viewing that evening. Please feel free to stay and watch our educational videos on the lobby as you wait. We will try to see several objects during an evening but that is dependent on the number of people waiting in line. Ask our volunteers any astronomy-related question that is on your mind but please be respectful of other guests who are waiting to view.

Contact Information

Mrs. Geeta Rao

+91 (0) 40 2324 1061