The mysteries of the universe are being explored from Rajasthan’s highest peak, Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu. From this remote summit of the Aravalli range, Indian scientists have so far discovered four new exoplanets, including one so massive that five Earths could fit inside it. The next goal is even more ambitious, the search for a ‘super-Earth’, a rocky planet with water, air and conditions suitable for life. This research is being carried out at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Infrared Observatory, located at an altitude of about 5,500 feet on Guru Shikhar. When much of the world is asleep, scientists here monitor the birth and death of stars, distant galaxy explosions, and planetary movements millions to billions of kilometres away. After receiving special permission, the Bhaskar team visited the observatory to understand how cutting-edge space research is being conducted from Rajasthan’s soil. Read the full report.. Why was Guru Shikhar chosen for space research? Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli range and offers ideal natural conditions for astronomical observation. According to Centre In-charge Prof. Sunil Chandra, the observatory was established in 1979 under India’s Department of Space. He explained that high altitude locations provide, clear skies, very low humidity, minimal dust particles stable atmospheric conditions. ‘These factors allow us to observe faint infrared signals from deep space without interruption,’ he said. From here, scientists can study stellar formation, planetary systems, and cosmic explosions that occurred billions of years ago. 5 advanced telescopes under white domes At the summit, five white dome structures stand across different hilltops. Each dome houses an advanced telescope or spectrograph, designed for specific types of observations. The observatory currently operates five infrared-based telescopes, including: When the Bhaskar team arrived, cloudy conditions had temporarily halted observations. Scientists were instead analysing previously collected data and images. Four exoplanets discovered in 32 years Prof. Sunil Chandra said the Guru Shikhar observatory has discovered four exoplanets over the past three decades, drawing global attention to Indian space research. The most recent discovery is TOI-6038A b, an exoplanet so large that it could contain five Earths. It belongs to the sub-Saturn category, meaning it is smaller than Saturn but far larger than Earth. Earlier discoveries include, TOI-6651b, TOI-1789b, TOI-4603b K2-236b. Each discovery has been published and cited internationally, earning recognition for India’s astronomical capabilities. 2.5-metre telescope becomes India’s pride The most important instrument at the observatory is the 2.5-metre telescope, installed under a massive dome just a year ago. It is among India’s fastest and most reliable telescopes for detecting Earth-like planets. This telescope played a crucial role in discovering TOI-6651b, which brought international recognition to Indian astronomers. Scientists describe this planet as so massive that Earth would appear like a mustard seed in comparison. PARAS-2: Asia’s most precise spectrograph The observatory recently upgraded its instruments with the installation of PARAS-2, now considered the highest-resolution spectrograph in Asia. Key features of PARAS-2 include: PARAS-2 was developed through India-Europe collaboration, with major contributions from Indian engineers. It played a key role in confirming exoplanet discoveries, including TOI-6038A b. A spectrograph works by splitting light from stars or planets into fine wavelengths, similar to how sunlight forms a rainbow, allowing scientists to determine a planet’s mass, orbit and composition. Famous comet 3I/ATLAS tracked from Mount Abu The 1.2-metre telescope gained global attention in 2025 after accurately tracking the comet 3I/ATLAS. Its precise calculations were praised by NASA and international research institutions. According to Prof. Chandra, the comet is currently moving away from the solar system and is expected to disappear from telescope view by early February, within about a month. Nights of observation, years of calculation Behind the telescopes is a 3-storey data control centre, where scientists analyse the data manually. Every calculation requires extreme precision. Data analysts Nafis Ahmad and Rishikesh Sharma explained that: This slow, careful process ensures accuracy before any discovery is announced. Wildlife, weather and light pollution emerge as daily challenges Working at Guru Shikhar is not easy. Scientists regularly encounter leopards, bears, hyenas and pythons. After sunset, all doors and windows are shut for safety. During winter, temperatures drop sharply. Monsoon clouds shut down observations completely, forcing the lab to remain closed for four months a year. As a result, research is possible for only about 220 nights annually. Another major challenge is light pollution. Artificial lighting from nearby towns and villages interferes with weak infrared signals from space. Scientists require dark, stable and light-free nights for accurate readings. Finding a ‘Super-earth’ The observatory’s current focus is on discovering low-mass rocky planets, especially sub-Neptune and super-Earth categories. These planets are closer in size to Earth and may have conditions suitable for life. Prof. Sunil Chandra said efforts are underway to: A robotic system would allow faster and more accurate observations without human intervention. Team behind the discoveries Currently, research at the PRL Infrared Observatory is carried out by, 10 faculty members, 11 students, 5 permanent staff rotational research staff. Together, they are working to place India at the forefront of exoplanet discovery and space science. Rajasthan’s role in search for another earth From the highest peak of Rajasthan, scientists are not only discovering distant planets but also searching for answers to humanity’s biggest question, are we alone in the universe? With each observation and calculation, Guru Shikhar moves closer to helping scientists find a planet that resembles Earth, one that may have water, atmosphere and life. For now, Rajasthan’s quiet mountain peak continues to watch the universe while the world sleeps.
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