The ARIES Training School in Observational Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences (ATSOAA 2026) will be organized by ARIES, Nainital, from April 20 to April 30, 2026.The school will cover a broad range of topics in Astronomy (including telescope basics, optical data analysis techniques, star formation and evolution, galactic and extragalactic astronomy), Solar physics, and Earth Atmospheric Science (including its composition, dynamics, forecasting, pollution, and climate change).Participants will engage in hands-on and demonstration sessions on data processing for Astronomy (photometry, spectroscopy, and polarimetry) and Atmospheric Sciences (in-situ and remote sensing observations, models, and reanalysis datasets). Open sessions will be organised for discussion and interaction with ARIES faculty members, Ph.D. students, and Post Doctoral Fellows at ARIES. These sessions will provide practical insights into data analysis methods used in both astronomy and atmospheric sciences.
The target audience for the school is primarily students who are in M.Sc. (Physics / Astrophysics / Atmospheric Sciences) First / Second year, Integrated MS (Physics) Fourth / Fifth year, and B.Tech (Engineering Physics / Electrical / Instrumentation / Electronics and Communication / Computer Science / Mechanical Engineering) Fourth year, with an interest and motivation to work in observational astronomy and atmospheric science. The total number of participants is limited to 35. The selected participants are eligible to receive travel support. The sleeper class train fare or ordinary bus fare will be reimbursed for the round-trip journey using the shortest route from the applicant's address, after producing original tickets for the inward journey and photocopies of tickets for the outward journey. Free lodging and boarding will be provided from one day before the school starts to one day after the school ends.
Our understanding of the Universe and Earth's atmosphere is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in observational facilities and the growing need for skilled researchers to analyze vast datasets. Both astronomy and atmospheric sciences rely on cutting-edge observational techniques, high-performance computing, and interdisciplinary approaches to address fundamental questions about the cosmos and our planet. ARIES currently operates two major telescopes for night-time astronomy, namely the 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) and the 4.0m International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT). These facilities, alongside other large-scale national and international observatories on the ground and in space, are expected to foster major advancements in astronomy, including the discovery of transient celestial objects such as supernovae, quasars, and distant galaxies. However, in the process, massive volumes of multi-wavelength data are generated, necessitating the involvement of trained researchers to maximize their scientific potential.
On the atmospheric science front, ARIES operates several advanced facilities, including the ST RADAR, LIDAR, Radiometers, and Balloon-borne Measurements with Ozonesonde, which enable detailed studies of air pollution, aerosol interactions, and energy exchanges. These facilities provide high-resolution ground-based observations necessary for the validation of data from major space missions such as NASA's TEMPO and ISRO's INSAT-3D, and thereby assist in accurate weather forecasting and climate modelling. Recognizing the importance of capacity building in both fields, this workshop will serve as a platform for M.Sc. and B.Tech students to develop expertise in observational techniques, data analysis, and numerical modelling. With dedicated sessions on both astronomical and atmospheric datasets, students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and methodologies. By fostering a research-oriented mindset, this program aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to tackle pressing scientific challenges, whether in understanding the vast universe or addressing environmental concerns on Earth.