Early pioneers of telescopic astronomy in India: G.V.Juggarow and his Observatory

Abstract

G.V.Juggarow was one of the early pioneers of observational astronomy in India who built his own observatory in 1840 at Vizagapatam (Vizagapatnam). His legacy was continued by his son-in-law A.V.Nursing Row till 1892, his daughter till 1894, Madras Government till 1898, and his grandson till it became inactive in early 1900s. Observations of comets,planetary transits, stellar occultations etc have been continued along with meteorological observations. Celestial photography was also started at the observatory. After 1898 the observatory’s activities were re-oriented towards meteorology. The establishment of the observatory, the personality’s involved and the final closing of the institution are described here.