About the school
Indian Institute of Astrophysics has initiated various programmes with the aim of motivating students from colleges and universities across the country to research Astronomy & Astrophysics. IIA organizes summer and winter schools every year, where students are exposed to a research environment. As part of this ongoing activity, we conduct an annual winter school on Solar Physics in the month of January every year at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.
The participants will be introduced to the subject of solar astronomy, along with an overview of current research topics and unsolved problems in solar physics. The program of lectures will provide a comprehensive overview of the topics covering the basic physics of the Sun, including the techniques and methods of solar observations. The century-old Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, located atop the highest peak of the Palani range of hills in Tamil Nadu, has various solar telescopes observing the Sun at different wavelengths. Alongside theoretical lectures, the selected students will get the unique opportunity to observe the Sun using these instruments and analyze or visualize the data obtained during the ample hands-on sessions under the guidance of IIA scientists.
The winter school will also provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about India's upcoming first solar space mission, Aditya-L1.
Who can apply ?
The students who:
- are currently pursuing their M.Sc./M.Tech/B.Tech. degree and will be completing by June 2023 in the disciplines of Astronomy/Physics/Mathematics/Engineering
- have successfully completed their M.Sc./M.Tech/B.Tech. degree during the year 2022 in the disciplines of Astronomy/Physics/Mathematics/Engineering.
In the case of an Engineering degree, it must be in the branch of either Electrical & Electronics (or) Electronics & Communications (or) Electronics and Instrumentation (or) Optical Engineering.
Only limited applicants will be selected for participation based on their academic records and motivation to attend the school.
Instructions to apply
Accommodation and travel
Students who are selected for the Winter School will be provided free boarding/lodging at the Kodaikanal observatory and reimbursed second class rail/bus fare by the shortest route between the place of residence/study and Kodaikanal. Accommodations for participants will be provided on a shared basis.
