The Atacama Observatory in Chile, operated by the University of Tokyo, has recently opened after a 26-year planning and construction process. Situated on Mount Chajnantor in the Atacama Desert, the 6.5-meter optical-infrared telescope is now the highest in the world at 18,500 feet above sea level. It surpasses the MiniTAO, which held the title of highest telescope before it.
Being positioned at such a high altitude means there is significantly less moisture in the air, allowing TAO to observe a wide range of near-infrared wavelengths, including mid-infrared. This unique capability sets TAO apart from other earthbound telescopes. The University of Tokyo mentions that terrestrial observatories like TAO can provide higher-resolution images of space due to their larger apertures compared to space-based telescopes. The telescope is expected to contribute to the study of the birth of galaxies and the origin of planets starting in 2025.
In addition to its primary objectives, TAO is also anticipated to enhance observations made by the nearby ALMA telescope by allowing researchers to view the same objects in different wavelengths, offering new insights. However, the extreme altitude of TAO presents challenges for human workers. Yuzuru Yoshii, who led the project since 1998, highlighted that construction workers required regular medical checkups and oxygen inhalation due to high altitude conditions.
The Atacama Observatory represents a significant milestone for astronomy and astrophysics research as it enables scientists to observe space with unprecedented clarity and detail. With its advanced technology and unique location on Mount Chajnantor, TAO promises to provide groundbreaking discoveries that will deepen our understanding of the universe’s mysteries.
Despite its high altitude challenges for human workers, TAO’s opening marks a significant milestone for science and exploration. The University of Tokyo’s Atacama Observatory is set to revolutionize our understanding of space with its cutting-edge technology and unique location on Mount Chajnantor in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
The University of Tokyo has just opened its new observatory located on Mount Chajnantor at an altitude of 18,500 feet above sea level. This optical-infrared telescope holds several titles as it surpasses previous records held by MiniTAO and Chacaltaya Observatory.
With its unique capabilities enabled by being positioned at high altitudes with less moisture in
