MACE: Asia's Largest Gamma-Ray Telescope Inaugurated In Ladakh
The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory was inaugurated in Ladakh’s Hanle. Built by the Mumbai-based Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), it is Asia’s largest imaging Cherenkov telescope.
Located at an altitude of 4,300 meters, it is also the highest of its kind in the world. The telescope has been built in collaboration with Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL) and other Indian industry partners.
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The telescope was inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) secretary and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, on October 4, as part of the platinum jubilee year celebrations of the DAE.
The MACE observatory is touted to position itself at the forefront of cosmic ray research in the world by allowing scientists to study high-energy gamma rays. The telescope will open the doors for a deeper understanding of cosmic events such as the supernova, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.
Mohanty emphasised the role of MACE in advancing scientific research and supporting the socio-economic development of Ladakh.
How Does MACE Work?
MACE is 21 meters in diameter, 175 tonnes heavy, and has a reflector area of 356 sqm, 1,424 diamond-turned metallic mirror facets, 712 actuators, 1,088 photomultiplier tubes, and 68 camera modules.
Since gamma rays do not reach the Earth’s surface as the atmosphere obstructs it, high-energy particles that travel faster than the speed of flight are created with the interaction with the atmosphere. It emits Cherenkov radiation, akin to a sonic boom.
The mirrors and cameras capture these flashes and trace them back to their cosmic source. MACE includes a reflector surface (350 sqm), which comprises highly reflective diamond-turned, custom-built metallic mirror facets. The camera at the focal point contains a number of photomultiplier tubes with specialised assembly to enhance light collection efficiency.
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Mohanty explained the reason behind choosing Hanle as the optimal location for the telescope thanks to its longitudinal advantage, which helps MACE observe sources invisible to other parts of the world. “Hanle is like heaven for gamma-ray astronomers with its dark skies, low humidity, and almost no air pollution,” said Mohanty while expressing hopes for more gamma-ray telescopes to be built in Hanle, making it an ideal place for astronomers across the world.
