Pune: In a significant development for astronomical research, Pune will soon house an advanced laboratory dedicated to massive astronomical projects.

The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), located within the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus, is expanding its facilities to include state-of-the-art research capabilities.

Dubbed IUCAA 2.0, the new facility is expected to be operational by 2025 and will play a key role in global and national astronomical research initiatives.

IUCAA, established in 1988, is nearly doubling in size to support the increasing demands of modern astronomical research. The ongoing construction of the "Academic and Research Building - IUCAA 2" is progressing rapidly.

The new facility will include specialized laboratories for the LIGO India project and AstroSat research, in addition to classrooms for PhD students, visitor accommodations, auditoriums, and conference rooms.

The project, with an estimated cost of ₹30 crore, is set to revolutionize research capabilities in the field of astronomy and astrophysics.

An underground lab designed to eliminate vibrations is being constructed for the LIGO project, ensuring the precision of delicate instruments. The new IUCAA will also feature an optics lab, a clean room, and a radio physics laboratory.

Data from the AstroSat satellite, already received at IUCAA, will be analyzed in this new, advanced lab. Director Dr. R. Shrianand emphasized that the upgraded facilities will provide all necessary amenities for cutting-edge research.

Growing Research Community

The expansion of IUCAA has seen a 40 per cent increase in professors and staff, while the number of students has doubled. The new building will include additional laboratories and classrooms to accommodate this growth.

IUCAA 2.0 is poised to support astronomical research needs for the next 25 to 30 years.