Abstract:
The scientific development in the field of observational astronomy in India has been quite significant in the recent past. India has three 2-meter class optical and near infrared telescopes. These telescopes are mainly used for photometric and low-to-medium resolution spectroscopic observations of Galactic and extra-galactic sources. In order to complement these observing facilities, the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India plans to install a 3.6-m modern state-of-the-art optical telescope at Devasthal near Nainital in the central Himalayan range. ARIES, Nainital, taking a lead role in the installation of the optical telescope during the next five years with national and international collaborations/
