<h4>Introduction to Kodaikanal Solar Observatory</h4><p>The <strong>Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO)</strong> is a prominent facility dedicated to solar research in India.</p><p>It is owned and operated by the <strong>Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)</strong>, a leading institution in astronomical research.</p><h4>Establishment and Purpose</h4><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Established:</strong> <strong>1899</strong></p><p><strong>Location:</strong> <strong>Kodaikanal</strong>, Tamil Nadu</p><p><strong>Primary Function:</strong> Solar observations and research.</p></div><h4>Landmark Discovery: The Evershed Effect</h4><p>The <strong>KSO</strong> holds historical significance for a major scientific discovery related to the Sun.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The <strong>Evershed effect</strong> was first detected at this observatory in <strong>January 1909</strong>.</p></div><p>This effect describes the <strong>apparent radial flow of gas</strong> observed within the <strong>penumbra</strong> (the outer, filamentary region) of <strong>sunspots</strong> on the Sun's surface.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding the <strong>Evershed effect</strong> is crucial for topics related to solar physics and stellar atmospheres in <strong>UPSC Mains GS Paper 3</strong> (Science & Technology).</p></div>