UoM, IIA join to transform Mysuru into major centre for astronomy

Mysuru: The University of Mysore and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have taken a significant step towards transforming Mysuru into a major centre for astronomy education, research and public outreach by signing an amendment to their existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the COSMOS-Mysuru Centre.The amended agreement was signed by Annapurni Subramaniam and MK Savitha, UoM registrar, on the university campus in the presence of senior officials, faculty members and representatives from both institutions. The revised MoU is expected to strengthen collaboration in science education, outreach programmes and joint scientific initiatives through the Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre (COSMOS-Mysuru).Officials said the centre is expected to become operational as a field station of the IIA soon, opening new avenues for research, academic engagement and public participation in astronomy and space sciences.COSMOS-Mysuru will feature a state-of-the-art planetarium alongside a data analysis training and resource centre for students and teachers. The facility will be among the world's first LED dome planetariums, equipped with an 8K-resolution tilted dome to offer an immersive experience and advanced data visualisation capabilities. According to Savitha, the facility will enable students and researchers to analyse data from Indian and international telescopes while developing skills in emerging scientific technologies.