India's new telescopes are set to be a game-changer for astronomy
Context:
In the recent Union Budget, the government sanctioned the establishment of two new telescopes and the upgradation of an existing one in Ladakh.
These facilities are poised to boost observational astronomy in India and the Global South
The New Facilities:
National Large Solar Telescope (NLST):
It is a 2-metre aperture solar telescope to be established in the Merak region near Pangong Tso lake.
It will operate in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths.
It will help solar physicists study fundamental solar dynamics, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
This is crucial for understanding space weather, which impacts satellite operations and power grids.
National Large Optical Telescope (NLOT):
Along with NLST, this is one of the new sanctioned facilities.
It will be a one-of-a-kind telescope in its wavelength to operate at this specific longitude.
Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) Upgrade:
The HCT is gearing up for its first major upgrade to provide crucial data on transient astronomy (short-lived cosmic events like supernovae).
The upgraded HCT will feature a 3.7-metre segmented primary mirror and will operate in the optical-infrared wavelength.
Its operations will complement international "mega-science" projects like LIGO-India (gravitational waves) and the Square Kilometre Array (radio telescope).
Why is Ladakh a hub for Astronomy?
Geographical Advantage:
Ladakh is a major astronomy centre due to its high altitude and dry conditions.
The village of Hanle has been identified as India’s first Dark Sky Reserve to preserve natural darkness.
Longitude Benefit:
Both NLST and NLOT will operate at a longitude that offers a major advantage over existing global telescopes, generating data that was previously impossible to capture.
Observation Time:
These indigenous facilities ensure that Indian scientists have preferential access to telescope observation time, rather than relying on proposals to foreign facilities.