Solapur, 31 Mar (HS):- The 800 kg telescope launched

by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Sciences from Hyderabad for astronomical

studies, fell in a residential area in Sangola town in Maharashtra’s Solapur

district. No casualty was reported. However, a car was damaged in the incident.

The heavy telescope with a parachute was released by

the TIFR Balloon Facility National Centre of Government of India, Hyderabad

Branch at 25 km in space to study the stars. It fell due to a change in wind

direction,

The centre had tried to withdraw the telescope with a

machine. However, the attempt failed due to a change in wind direction and speed.

The telescope fell on a lemon plant in a residential area in Karwatwadi lane of

Sangola and damaged a car parked below the plant.

The residents were rattled due to this sudden

development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar