Observatory: The highest observatory begins its work
On April 30, 2024, the Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) officially became operational in Chile's Atacama Desert at an altitude of 5,640 metres.
On top of Cerro Chajnantor volcano in Chile, the Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) at 5,640 meters is in the background.
After 26 years of planning and construction, this is in the Chilean Atacama Desert Tokyo Atacama Observatory or TAO for short Officially put into effect. It is located atop the extinct volcano Cerro Chajnantor, which is 5,640 meters high, making it the highest observatory in the world. There is a 6.5 meter and 1 meter telescope on site, which will be used for mid-infrared observation. Due to their enormous height, the telescopes are located above more than 99% of the water vapor in the atmosphere, meaning they can be used to observe the 2- to 40-micrometer spectral range of wavelengths in many atmospheric windows with almost no interference. This is not possible in low places due to the ubiquitous water vapor and stronger absorption by the Earth's atmosphere.
The 6.5-meter telescope is equipped with two spectrographs, primarily intended to examine galaxies and galaxy clusters. Discs of gas and dust around young stars where planets are currently forming are also set to be observed. The one-meter telescope was initially set up on Cerro Chajnantor for testing purposes to ensure the optical quality of the observation site. Investigations showed that the volcanic summit was ideal for the planned observations. The small telescope should still be used.
Survival at 5640 meters is only possible after a long period of adaptation and the use of supplemental oxygen. Therefore, most observations will be conducted remotely. TAO is located just five kilometers from the site of the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) ALMA telescope network, which is used for observations in the millimeter wavelength range and is approximately 580 meters deep. Another observatory is currently being built on Cerro Chagnantor Cerro Chagnantor Atacama Telescope (CCAT).. The 6-meter-diameter telescope will be used in the longer submillimeter wave region, and observations are scheduled to begin in 2025.
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