Budget 2026 Boosts Astronomy With Telescopes and Planetarium Projects

The Union Budget 2026-27 has announced a major expansion of India’s ground-based astronomy infrastructure, with plans to establish and upgrade four key facilities across Ladakh and southern India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the initiatives will strengthen India’s capabilities in solar physics, deep-space observation and public science education.

Indian Institute of Astrophysics to Lead Projects

All four projects will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, headquartered in Bengaluru. The proposed facilities include two new national-class telescopes, an upgrade of an existing observatory in Ladakh, and a new planetarium-cum-training centre. The announcement marks one of the largest recent investments in ground-based astronomy.

Solar and Optical Telescopes in Ladakh

The National Large Solar Telescope will be set up near Pangong Lake in Ladakh. Designed as a two-metre class optical and near-infrared instrument, it will study the Sun’s magnetic fields, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Continuous ground-based monitoring will complement observations from ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission.

Alongside it, the National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope, planned as a 10–12 metre facility, will operate across optical and infrared wavelengths. It will enable studies of distant galaxies, star-forming regions and exoplanets. Both telescopes will be located in the Hanle region, known for clear skies, low atmospheric moisture and minimal light pollution.

Upgrade of Himalayan Chandra Telescope

The Budget also proposes upgrading the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, which has been operational in Hanle since 2000. The upgrade is expected to extend its scientific capabilities, supporting advanced research on variable stars, supernovae and active galaxies, and reinforcing Ladakh’s position as India’s principal astronomy hub.

Important Facts for Exams

• IIA will implement three telescope projects and one planetarium.
• NLST will focus on solar magnetic activity and space weather.
• NLOT will be India’s largest optical-infrared telescope.
• Hanle region offers ideal conditions for astronomy.

Cosmos-2 Planetarium for Public Outreach

In addition to research infrastructure, the Budget announced Cosmos-2, a planetarium and training centre to be built in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. Conceived as a public education facility with advanced digital projection and interactive exhibits, it follows the Cosmos-1 LED Dome planetarium being developed by IIA in Mysuru. The projects underline a dual focus on cutting-edge research and wider public engagement with astronomy.