The 3.6-meter Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT), operated by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), is India’s foremost astronomical facility and the largest optical telescope in Asia. DOT is situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters in the Himalayan region, offering excellent observing conditions ideal for high-precision astronomical research. DOT is equipped with a suite of state-of-the-art instruments for both imaging and spectroscopy across optical and near-infrared wavelengths. These include dedicated imaging instruments such as SPIM, TIRCAM2, and IMAGER, as well as dual-purpose instruments like TANSPEC and ADFOSC, which function as both imagers and spectrographs. This versatile instrumentation enables a wide range of cutting-edge scientific investigations, including Doppler imaging, studies of stellar magnetism in active and late-type stars, asteroseismology of white dwarfs, and the characterization of chemically peculiar magnetic stars. The facility also supports research on extragalactic sources and solar system bodies. As a national facility, DOT accepts observing proposals from researchers across India. This workshop, organized at the ARIES Manora campus, is aimed at early-career astronomers and researchers. It is designed to provide participants with comprehensive exposure to the capabilities of DOT. The program will cover the complete observational workflow—from preparing and submitting observing proposals, to conducting observations, reducing and analyzing data, and identifying opportunities for impactful scientific research.
Astronomers who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program, serving as postdoctoral fellows, or working as early-career faculty members or instructors are eligible to apply for this workshop. A total of 40 participants will be selected.
To apply, candidates must complete the registration form available via the ‘Registration’ button available at the top of this website before 5 September 2025. Upon successful submission, a confirmation email will be sent to the registered email address. Applicants are advised to check the website regularly for updates.
As part of the application process, candidates must provide the name of a referee in the registration form. The referee will be asked to submit a brief report supporting the candidate’s application no later than 06 September 2025. The list of selected participants will be published on the website.
This workshop will focus on the 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) and will cover the following topics:
Shared accommodation will be provided to all participants at both the ARIES Manora and Devasthal campuses. Travel support in the form of a 2-Tier-AC-class railway fare will be offered to 25 outstation participants upon submission of original tickets for the inward journey and photocopies of tickets for the outward journey.