IAO Hanle

In Context

• According to a recent study, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) is becoming one of the promising observatory sites globally.

               Image Courtesy: TH

• According to the Department of Science and Technology, this is due to its advantages of: 

• Clear nights
• Minimal light pollution
• Background aerosol concentration
• Extremely dry atmospheric condition 
• Uninterrupted monsoon

• The research analysed Eight observatories
  • Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Merak (Ladakh) and Devasthal (Nainital) in India, 
  • Ali Observatory in the Tibet Autonomous Region in China
  • South African Large Telescope in South Africa
  • University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory 
  • Paranal in Chile
  • National Astronomical Observatory in Mexico.

About Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO)

• It is located in Hanle near Leh in Ladakh and has one of the world’s highest located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.
• It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.
• It is currently the ninth highest optical telescope in the world, situated at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft).
• The Indian Astronomical Observatory stands on Mt. Saraswati, Hanle in south-eastern Ladakh union territory.
• The Observatory has two active telescopes.
  • These are the 2.01 meter optical-infrared Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) and,
  • a High Altitude Gamma Ray Telescope (HAGAR).
• It is becoming one of the globally promising observatory sites, reveals a recent study.

Source: TH