TAO Observatory Unveiled
Tokyo, May 1, 2023 - Tokyo University's Atacama Observatory (TAO) has officially opened, becoming the highest observatory on Earth, according to Space. The project, conceived 26 years ago, aims to study the evolution of galaxies and exoplanets.
Perched atop the 5,640-meter (18,500-foot) Cerro Chajnantor in Chile's Andes mountains, TAO surpasses the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observatories at 5,050 meters (16,500 feet).
Ideal Observing Location
Cerro Chajnantor, meaning "the meeting place" in the Kunza language of the indigenous Likan Antai community, poses a dangerous environment for humans due to its high altitude, thin air, and arid climate. However, it's an ideal location for infrared telescopes like TAO, as accurate observations require low humidity, which makes Earth's atmosphere transparent at infrared wavelengths.
Infrared Observations
TAO's 6.5-meter (21-foot) telescope features two scientific instruments designed to observe the universe in infrared light—electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves.
"The better the quality of astronomical observations we can make of real objects, the more precisely we can recreate what we see in experiments on Earth," said Riko Senoo, a graduate student at Tokyo University.
Scientific Impact
"I hope that future astronomers will use TAO, together with other space-based and ground-based telescopes, to make unexpected discoveries that challenge our current understanding and elucidate the unexplained," said Masahiro Konishi, a researcher at Tokyo University.
Summary
The TAO Observatory, situated at an unprecedented altitude, will enable scientists to study the cosmos in unprecedented detail, expanding our understanding of the universe's origins and evolution. This technological marvel represents a testament to the human spirit of exploration and scientific discovery.