St Xavier's heritage observatory refurbished

The famous 150-year-old observatory of St Xavier's College here was today thrown open for astronomical observations and experiments after being refurbished at a cost of Rs one crore.
The recommissioned Fr Lafont Observatory now has an advanced technology hemispherical rotating motorised dome for night-time observations.
For day-time experiments, a new solar observatory with motorised retractable sliding roof has been set up.
The two new observatories would be used for physics students and would enable astronomers in carrying out research on celestial objects, said principal of the college Felix Raj.
He said besides holding workshops with students from other colleges and those from other cities, they were also planning to throw it open for the public on weekends.

With a gigantic diameter of 24 feet, the new dome is among the largest in Indian educational institutes.

The retractable roof observatory comprises of the experiment hall which opens up to the sky, once the electrically-operated roof is slid off on the side-rails allowing equipment exposure to the sun.
With funds from the central science and technology department, the observatory was redone by a Bangalore-based engineering company.
It was set up in 1865 by renowned scientist and professor of the college Eugine Lafont, who encouraged his student Jagadish Chandra Bose to become a scientist.
The observatory had hit the headlines in all the local dailies in November 1875 for predicting a severe cyclone and saving many lives.