Madhava Observatory

{{Short description|Observatory set up University of Calicut}}

File:Madhava Observatory at Calicut University.jpg

Madhava Observatory is an observatory set up by the University of Calicut in 2005 in association with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore.{{Cite web |last=Harigovind |date=2016-03-30 |title=Calicut University Observatory to get a facelift |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/300316/calicut-university-observatory-to-get-a-facelift.html |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=www.deccanchronicle.com |language=en}} It is the largest observatory at the university level in India.{{cite web |title=Madhava Observatory |url=https://uoc.ac.in/index.php/the-university/2016-04-27-10-20-26/2018-07-07-09-37-46 |website=University of Calicut |publisher=University of Calicut |access-date=3 January 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Harigovind |title=Madhava Observatory of Calicut University awaits facelift |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/151016/madhava-observatory-of-calicut-university-awaits-facelift.html |website=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=3 January 2023}}{{cite journal |title=An introductory workshop: From stars to the universe |journal=Khagol (published by IUCAA) |date=October 2005 |volume=64 |url=http://publication.iucaa.in/index.php/khagol/article/download/33/33 |access-date=3 January 2023}} The {{convert|6.6|m|ft|adj=on}} hemispherical dome has a {{convert|1.75|m|ft|adj=on}} slit opening, a wheel assembly and a 14-inch Meade (Cassegrain) telescope. The observatory is used by the faculty and staff of the university for study and research purposes. The observatory has also an 18-inch NGT reflector telescope gifted by IIAP, Bangalore, a dedicated computer facility for data collection and analysis.

The observatory is named after Madhava of Sangamagrama (c. 1340 – c. 1425), who is considered one of the greatest mathematician-astronomers of the Middle Ages and was the founder of the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics.{{Cite web |last=Rajwi |first=Tiki |date=2014-03-03 |title=State's Rich Mathematical Heritage to Get 'Faces' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2014/Mar/03/states-rich-mathematical-heritage-to-get-faces-581858.html |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}