Why in News?
The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) at Hanle, Ladakh, completed 25 years of operation. The occasion was marked by a conference highlighting its scientific achievements and future expansion plans.
Key Highlights
- Location: Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle, Ladakh (4,517 m).
- Managed by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- First Light: 26 September 2000; dedicated to the nation in 2001.
- Named after Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
- Operated remotely from Bengaluru via INSAT-3B since 2001.
Why is Hanle Important?
- Over 250 clear nights annually.
- Very low atmospheric water vapour and minimal light pollution.
- Ideal for optical and near-infrared astronomy.
- Protected under the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.
Major Scientific Contributions
- Studies of gamma-ray bursts, comets, exoplanets, supernovae, variable stars, galaxies, and active galactic nuclei (AGN).
- Contributed to the discovery of TRAPPIST-1b.
Key Instruments
- HFOSC – Optical camera and spectrograph.
- uTIRSPEC – Near-infrared spectrometer.
- HESP – High-resolution Echelle spectrograph.
Future Plans
The Union Budget announced:
- 3.7-m Upgraded Himalayan Chandra Telescope (UHCT).
- 13.7-m National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT) at Hanle.
Prelims Facts
- HCT: 2-m optical telescope at Hanle, Ladakh.
- Nodal Agency: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
- Administrative Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.
[2016] With reference to ‘Astrosat’,’ the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2