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Astronomical Observatory, Nainital Overview
Located at a distance of 9 kilometers from the main city, Astronomical Observatory is one of the popular tourist attractions in Nainital, Uttarakhand. The palace is an ultimate tourist destination for people who like to explore the astronomical science. Here, the guide will show you around the observatory. You will get to see celestial bodies, moons, and even stars using a telescope. Tourists need to get appointments before paying a visit to the site. Accommodating one of the high-powered telescopes, Astronomical Observatory happens to be an autonomous center in Nainital. The palace is open to visitors on business days.
You can visit the observatory in the noon hours. For night visitors, prior permission is mandatory. Basically, the tourists are allowed in Astronomical Observatory on the specific four days during the full moon period (if they prefer to explore the palace at night). Built in the year 1954, Astronomical Observatory was constructed in Nainital. In 2004, the site got under the management and control of the Department of Science and Technology. This was when the observatory got its new name i.e., Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES).
Try to schedule a visit to the observatory when the sky is bright and clear. You will get a wonderful opportunity to not only view but predict the movement of the celestial bodies and stars accurately. The observatory stands at 6,401 ft above the sea level. Since Nainital is located in the central Himalayan region, at a great distance from the urban city life and pollution sources, it makes the city a perfect place to conduct astronomical research. The observatory accommodates workshops to cater to the optical and mechanical needs of the instruments. A visit to the Astronomical Observatory is a must for tourists who want to explore Nainital to its fullest.