Daily Current Affairs : 29-July-2024

India’s space research has taken a substantial leap with the successful operation of its first completely robotic telescope, the GROWTH-India telescope, positioned at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh. This advanced telescope recently captured the image of a building-sized asteroid as it approached Earth, marking a significant milestone in India’s capabilities in space observation and time-domain astronomy.

The Role of the GROWTH-India Telescope

The GROWTH-India telescope is part of a larger international collaboration aimed at studying transient cosmic events, such as asteroids, comets, and supernovae. The telescope is a 0.7-meter wide-field device that specializes in time-domain astronomy. This field of study focuses on observing and recording rapid changes in celestial objects over short periods of time.

  • Time-domain Astronomy: The telescope’s ability to track fast-moving objects like asteroids is a key feature of its design. By capturing such objects, the telescope helps astronomers better understand the dynamics of space phenomena.
  • Part of a Global Initiative: The telescope is part of the Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH) project. This international initiative includes various observatories around the world working together to observe transient events in space.

How the Telescope Works

The GROWTH-India telescope operates in an entirely automated manner, making it highly efficient for observing transient events without human intervention. When the asteroid approached Earth, the telescope successfully tracked its rapid movement across the sky, capturing detailed images. As the asteroid moved, it caused background stars to appear as streaks due to its speed.

Funding and Support

The GROWTH-India telescope is the result of collaboration between several prestigious institutions. It is a joint venture of IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The project is funded by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST-SERB) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States.

Important Points:

  • GROWTH-India Telescope: India’s first fully robotic telescope, located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh.
  • Asteroid Observation: The telescope captured images of a building-sized asteroid approaching Earth, marking a significant achievement in space research.
  • Time-domain Astronomy: The telescope specializes in tracking rapid changes in celestial objects, focusing on transient events like asteroids and comets.
  • Wide-field Design: The telescope has a 0.7-meter wide-field capability, allowing it to observe large areas of the sky efficiently.
  • Global Collaboration: Part of the Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH) initiative, which involves observatories worldwide.
  • Automated Operation: The telescope operates autonomously, tracking fast-moving objects like asteroids without human intervention.
  • Funding and Support: The project is jointly funded by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST-SERB) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
  • Scientific Contribution: Enhances understanding of asteroids and space phenomena, positioning India as a key player in global astronomical research.

Why In News

India’s first fully robotic telescope, the GROWTH-India telescope, located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh, successfully captured images of a building-sized asteroid as it approached Earth, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in space observation and planetary defense.

MCQs about India’s Robotic Telescope Tracks Near-Earth Asteroid

  1. Where is India’s first fully robotic telescope, the GROWTH-India telescope, located?
    A. Mumbai
    B. Ladakh
    C. Bangalore
    D. New Delhi
    Correct Answer: B. Ladakh
    Explanation: The GROWTH-India telescope is located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh, which is in the northern part of India.
  2. What is the primary focus of the GROWTH-India telescope?
    A. Observing stars
    B. Studying time-domain astronomy
    C. Tracking space missions
    D. Mapping the moon’s surface
    Correct Answer: B. Studying time-domain astronomy
    Explanation: The GROWTH-India telescope specializes in time-domain astronomy, which focuses on observing and recording rapid changes in celestial objects like asteroids, comets, and supernovae.
  3. Which global initiative is the GROWTH-India telescope a part of?
    A. NASA Space Observation Network
    B. Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH)
    C. International Space Research Program
    D. International Astronomical Network
    Correct Answer: B. Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH)
    Explanation: The GROWTH-India telescope is part of the GROWTH initiative, which is a global collaboration involving various observatories working together to study transient events in space.
  4. Which organizations fund the GROWTH-India telescope project?
    A. NASA and ISRO
    B. DST-SERB and NSF
    C. IIT Bombay and the Indian Government
    D. Indian Institute of Technology and NASA
    Correct Answer: B. DST-SERB and NSF
    Explanation: The GROWTH-India telescope project is funded by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST-SERB) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States.

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