Galileo's astounding observations got many angry responses from the conservative society that he lived in, but since then the telescope has come a long way.
Today, telescopes can potentially allow us to see the deepest, most unknown regions of space.
Telescopes are instruments that enable viewing far away objects more clearly.
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B.M Birla Science Centre recently launched what is perhaps India's best amateur observatory. It was inaugurated by Nirmala Birla, wife of the late G.P. Birla, who gave Hyderabad its G.P. Birla Observatory because of his passion for astronomy and science.
The new observatory is a state-of-the-art five storeyed building with a cool, brand new telescope - The Cassegrain-Schmidt!
This telescope is compact and computerised and has some very advanced abilities.
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Ninety-nine pre-assigned locations of important planets, stars and other bodies in the galaxy can be stored into the telescope for quick reference.
“In principle, this telescope has the potential to detect “exo-planets” or planets attached to other solar systems” adds Dr. B. G. Sidharth, Director General of the B. M. Birla Science Centre and also a very noted physicist.
For amateurs
The purpose of launching the new observatory is to cater to the amateur communities who have a passion for astronomy.
Not everyone knows that the Science Centre even offers certified courses on astronomy for amateurs, including children and that a large percentage of the many visitors that come to the B. M. Birla Science Centre each year are children from Andhra Pradesh as well as its neighbouring States.
“We hope that the new observatory will allow astronomy enthusiasts of all age groups enjoy or even contribute to astronomy.
It's not rare that amateurs and young students of astronomy sometimes make unexpected discoveries,” says Dr. Siddharth.