75 Scientists Gather in Udaipur to Discuss the Sun’s Unsolved Mysteries

Udaipur, October 28, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Around 75 scientists and researchers from across India have gathered at the Udaipur Solar Observatory for a three-day national meeting to discuss solar activity, solar eruptions and their impact on space weather and Earth’s surrounding space environment.

The Udaipur Solar Physics Meeting 2026 began on Wednesday at the observatory located on an island in Fateh Sagar Lake. The event, being hosted by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), will run from October 28 to 30.

Scientists from leading research laboratories, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) centres, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and universities are participating in discussions on key questions in solar physics and space science.

Solar Eruptions and Space Weather at the Centre of Discussions

The main theme of the meeting is solar phenomena and space weather. Over three days, researchers will examine solar eruptions, how the resulting activity travels through space and the effects it can have on the space environment around Earth.

The discussions will also focus on the contribution of India’s Aditya-L1 mission and other space missions to understanding the Sun. Scientific sessions scheduled for October 29 and 30 will cover space weather, solar eruptions, solar X-ray astronomy, observations from Aditya-L1 and other solar missions, and recent developments in solar instrumentation.

Researchers will also explore the physical processes behind solar eruptions and how these events evolve and spread through space.

Professor Jagdev Singh Highlights the Importance of Aditya-L1

A key event on the opening day was the PRL Amrit Lecture, delivered by renowned solar scientist Professor Jagdev Singh. He discussed progress in solar research and the possibilities for future discoveries.

Professor Singh traced the development of solar research through important observations made using ground-based telescopes and space observatories. He explained how modern solar observation technologies have created new opportunities to study the Sun and its constantly changing environment.

Highlighting the scientific importance of India’s Aditya-L1 mission, he noted that many questions about the Sun remain unanswered. Further specialised space missions will be needed to investigate these mysteries.

Before the lecture, PRL Dean Professor S. Pallamraju introduced Professor Singh and highlighted his contributions to solar physics and solar observation.

Udaipur Solar Observatory Marks 50 Years

PRL Director Professor Anil Bharadwaj welcomed the scientists and researchers and spoke about the observatory’s scientific journey.

He said the completion of 50 years since the observatory’s establishment marked an important milestone for solar research in India and represented an opportunity to enter a new phase of scientific progress.

He also highlighted the observatory’s Multi-Application Solar Telescope, which has completed 10 years of operation. Professor Bharadwaj stressed the need for specialised training workshops to help young scientists develop skills in modern observation techniques and solar data analysis.

Such training, he said, would prepare early-career researchers to address emerging challenges in space science.

Workshop Helps Young Scientists Learn Solar Data Analysis

A special Solar Data Analysis Workshop was organised on the opening day for PhD students and young scientists.

The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to learn scientific methods for analysing data collected through solar observations and to strengthen their research skills.

Its objective was to familiarise the next generation of researchers with modern solar research techniques and improve their ability to investigate complex questions related to solar activity and space weather.

Scientists Observe Real-Time Solar Images at Fateh Sagar

Participants also visited the Udaipur Solar Observatory, located on an island in Fateh Sagar Lake. During the visit, they observed real-time images of the Sun obtained through the observatory’s telescopes.

The visit helped participants understand the role of ground-based observatories in solar research and how their observations complement data collected by space missions.

Professor Bhuvan Joshi, chairman of the organising committee, said the meeting provides an important platform for scientists from different institutions to exchange ideas, promote joint research and strengthen scientific collaboration.

The sessions on October 29 and 30 will continue to examine solar eruptions, space weather, solar X-ray astronomy, observations from Aditya-L1 and other missions, and advances in solar instruments.

FAQ Section

1. What is the Udaipur Solar Physics Meeting 2026?

It is a three-day national scientific meeting focused on solar physics, solar eruptions and space weather.

2. When is the meeting being held?

The meeting is being held from October 28 to 30, 2026.

3. Where is the Udaipur Solar Physics Meeting taking place?

It is being held at the Udaipur Solar Observatory, located on an island in Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

4. How many scientists are participating in the meeting?

Around 75 scientists and researchers from across India are participating.

5. Which organisation is hosting the event?

The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) is hosting the meeting through its Udaipur Solar Observatory.

6. What is the main theme of the meeting?

The main theme is solar phenomena and space weather, including solar eruptions and their effects on Earth’s surrounding space environment.

7. What role does the Aditya-L1 mission play in solar research?

Aditya-L1 provides scientific observations that help researchers study the Sun and investigate its activity and changing environment.

8. What activities were organised for young researchers?

A Solar Data Analysis Workshop was organised for PhD students and young scientists to develop their skills in analysing solar observations and conducting research.