OBSERVATORY NAINITAL

OBSERVATORY :- It is about 4.5 km from Nainital. Situated at an altitude of (1951 MT). Observatory is basically a place of astronomical studies. Public is shown round some of the instruments during working days at afternoons. For night viewing three four days on moonlight nights are fixed and permission is needed.

The clear skies over Nainital prompted the government to setup an observatory here. The observatory has one of the most advance telescopes in India. Observatory was established at Nainital in 1955 and shifted to present location of Manora Peak in 1961. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is an autonomous institute devoted to research and development in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Atmospheric Sciences. The Institute is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

The primary objective of the observatory has been to develop facilities for modern astrophysical research in stellar, solar & theoretical branches of astrophysics. 

With prior permission, visitors can get access to the observatory and also experience the pleasure of viewing celestial objects through the telescope, provided the nights are clear enough. With the help of this telescope the movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies can be calculated to great precision.