A Correspondent :
Country’s first full size -private Astro Observatory is ready for research and observation The country’s first full size -Astro observatory has been established at ‘Benu Vita’ in Sreepur, Gazipur. It has created a new history in the astronomy practice of the country. Freedom fighter and businessman Shahjahan Mridha Benu funded the observatory with his own expense, which is the first private full size Astro observatory in Bangladesh.
The work of this non-profitable observatory, built by the personal efforts of its founder, has already been completed with the design and the technology of Mr. Benu . Within a few days, those interested in astronomical research will have the opportunity to conduct research here. It will become a space research center with the participation of famous astronomy researchers from home and abroad. A new field of research is being introduced through this, said Mr. Benu. Shahjahan Mridha Benu set up the country’s first observatory on the roof of the National Museum of Science and Technology in the capital, he told the media. Dipen Bhattacharya, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Moreno Valley College in the United States.
Maksuda Afrus Khuki -and other Bangladeshi Astro scientist are affiliated with thes observation Bhattacharya said that after visiting the Astro observatory on Thursday, Benu is one of the people who started the practice of astronomy in the country with the science lovers. He is one of the pioneers in the practice of astronomy, he led the research, observation, and celebration of all astronomical events in past-independence of Bangladesh, he also said. Benu hopes that students from public and private universities and colleges will be able to conduct regular space observation and research with NASA, CNSA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency through the Astro observatory. “Benu Vita” is about 80 bighas of land adjacent to Bagher Bazar in Sreepur Upazila of Gazipur.
The night sky is being observed with the help of the 14-inch mead-Cassegrain telescope in the initial stage of this observatory, Benu said. More sophisticated 100-inch diameter refractor telescope will be attached here in future.
There are also plans to install a radio telescope at the observatory, he said. Benu is also president of the Astro division of Anushandhitshu Chokro and Bangladesh Astro Foundation. Those organizations will manage the Astro Observatory.
