The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory was inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, on October 4, 2024. Located in Hanle, Ladakh, MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and the highest of its kind in the world, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters. This indigenous telescope was developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and other Indian industry partners.
Inaugural Ceremony
The inauguration was part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the DAE. The event commenced with the unveiling of commemorative plaques by Dr. Mohanty at the MACE site, officially marking the opening of the observatory.
Key Highlights from Dr. Mohanty’s Address
- Significance of MACE: Dr. Mohanty highlighted that MACE is a monumental achievement for India, placing the country at the forefront of global cosmic-ray research.
- Research Potential: He emphasized the telescope’s role in studying high-energy gamma rays, which will enhance understanding of the universe’s most energetic events.
- Socio-economic Impact: Dr. Mohanty noted the project’s contribution to the socio-economic development of Ladakh and encouraged students to pursue careers in astronomy and astrophysics.
Contributions from Dignitaries
- Shri Ajay Ramesh Sule, Additional Secretary, DAE, emphasized the need to balance tourism and scientific activities in the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, encouraging students to explore careers in science and technology.
- Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), spoke about the collaborative efforts between DAE and IIA.
- Shri Sajjad Hussain Mufti, Chief Conservator of Forests, UT Ladakh, outlined the features of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, emphasizing community engagement and support for DAE’s scientific activities.
- Dr. S. M. Yusuf, Director of the Physics Group at BARC, highlighted MACE’s importance in advancing India’s space and cosmic-ray research capabilities.
Celebration and Recognition
A pictorial compilation documenting the journey of the MACE project was released during the ceremony. Dr. Mohanty recognized local leaders, including village heads, the school headmaster, and the venerable Lama of the Hanle Gompa, for their contributions to the community.
A special film showcasing the scientific and technological advancements of the MACE telescope was screened, and attendees participated in a guided tour of the facility, exploring the state-of-the-art MACE Control Room and interacting with the team of astronomers and technicians.
Future Prospects
The MACE telescope represents a significant advancement for Indian astrophysics and cosmic-ray research. It aims to observe high-energy gamma rays, contributing to global efforts to understand phenomena like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. The facility will complement other global observatories, enhancing India’s standing in multi-messenger astronomy.
Looking ahead, the MACE project seeks to foster international collaborations and solidify India’s contributions to space research, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of Indian scientists.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the location of the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory?
- A) Hanle, Ladakh
- B) Leh, Ladakh
- C) Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- D) Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Answer: A) Hanle, Ladakh
- Who inaugurated the MACE Observatory?
- A) Dr. S. M. Yusuf
- B) Shri Ajay Ramesh Sule
- C) Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam
- D) Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty
Answer: D) Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty
- What is the altitude of the MACE Observatory?
- A) Approximately 3,000 meters
- B) Approximately 4,300 meters
- C) Approximately 5,000 meters
- D) Approximately 2,500 meters
Answer: B) Approximately 4,300 meters
- Which organization developed the MACE telescope?
- A) Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
- B) Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL)
- C) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- D) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Answer: C) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- What type of astronomical phenomena will the MACE telescope primarily study?
- A) Low-energy cosmic rays
- B) High-energy gamma rays
- C) Visible light from stars
- D) Radio waves from galaxies
Answer: B) High-energy gamma rays
- What did Dr. Mohanty encourage students to pursue?
- A) Careers in business
- B) Careers in astronomy and astrophysics
- C) Careers in politics
- D) Careers in engineering only
Answer: B) Careers in astronomy and astrophysics