Asia’s largest and world’s highest gamma ray telescope launched in Ladakh

Asia’s largest imaging Cherenkov telescope was recently inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh.Located at an altitude of almost 4,300 meters, this gamma ray telescope, known as Cherenkov, marks a significant step forward for Indian astrophysics and cosmic-ray research.

The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) observatory, the world’s highest telescope of its kind, has been developed domestically by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai, with assistance from the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd and various other Indian industry partners.

The MACE telescope will analyse high-energy gamma rays, helping the globe to advance its efforts to comprehend the universe’s most energetic phenomena, such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. This facility will also enhance global observatories, strengthening India’s position in multi-messenger astronomy. 

The observatory will place India at the forefront of cosmic ray research worldwide by permitting scientists to observe the high-energy gamma rays. The telescope will be able to produce high-quality work detecting gamma-ray flares equivalent to 200 million light years away.

It was inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission.

MACE observatory

MACE has a huge diameter of 21 meters and weighs around 175 tonnes. It includes a reflector area of 356 square meters, with 1,424 diamond-turned metallic mirror facets, 712 actuators, 1,088 photomultiplier tubes, and 68 camera modules.

MACE is a lightweight construction and possesses high strength and temperature endurance. The reflector surface consists of a highly reflective diamond -turned custom-built metallic mirror with an overall measurement of 350 square meters. 

The camera at the focal point has photomultiplier tubes arranged to improve light collection. It uses fast electronics that digitize data in nanoseconds and is designed to operate with low power and temperature, even in extreme weather conditions.

MACE telescope working

Gamma rays can’t reach Earth because the atmosphere blocks them. Instead, they create high-energy particles that move faster than light and produce Cherenkov radiation, similar to a sonic boom. The mirrors and cameras detect these flashes and help find their cosmic source.

Why Hanle?

The site was chosen for its scientific benefits, as Hanle has very low light pollution apt for gamma-ray observations. Its location allows MACE to detect sources that are invisible from other areas.

“Hanle is perfect for gamma-ray astronomers with its dark skies, low humidity, and minimal air pollution,” said Dr. AK Mohanty, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. He noted that more gamma-ray telescopes could be built here, making Hanle a hub for global astronomers, including international collaborations.

Astronomy observatories in India 

Apart from the IAO, Ladakh, India has several astronomy observatories contributing to the heritage of Indian astronomy. Some of them include the Aries observatory in Nainital, the Vainu Bappu observatory in Tamil Nadu, the GMRT observatory in Pune, the IUCAA Girawali observatory in Maharashtra, and the Mount Abu observatory in Rajasthan.

You might also be interested in – Amit Shah announces addition of 5 new districts in Ladakh