Department of Posts releases stamp marking 125 years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
The Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp on 16 May 2025 at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, marking 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, established on 1 April 1899.
Summary
The Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp marking 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) on 16 May 2025. It was released by S. Rajendra Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, in the presence of A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and former ISRO Chairman, at IIA Bengaluru. The KSO, in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, was established on 1 April 1899 and is operated by IIA. It is India's longest-running astronomical observatory and holds one of the world's most extensive continuous daily records of the Sun, with studies on sunspots, solar flares, prominences and the corona.
Key facts
- Stamp
- 125 years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
- Released
- 16 May 2025, IIA Bengaluru
- Released by
- S. Rajendra Kumar, CPMG Karnataka Circle
- KSO established
- 1 April 1899
- Location
- Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu
- Operated by
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics
- Distinction
- India's longest-running astronomical observatory
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, on whose 125 years a commemorative stamp was released in May 2025, was established on:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1 April 1899
The KSO was established on 1 April 1899.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu and is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. 2. The commemorative stamp marking its 125 years was released at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The stamp was released at IIA Bengaluru on 16 May 2025.