Leh/Jammu: Ladakh has become home to the world’s highest Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) observatory, located at an altitude of over 4,300 meters in Hanle. This observatory, a significant milestone for India, highlights the country’s growing expertise in space and cosmic-ray research.

Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, officially inaugurated the MACE observatory, according to an official spokesperson.

The MACE, built indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited and other Indian industry partners, is now the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia.

The inauguration ceremony, part of the DAE’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, featured Dr. Mohanty unveiling commemorative plaques at the Hanle site. During the event, Additional Secretary Ajay Ramesh Sule emphasized the need to balance tourism with scientific activities in the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) and encouraged students to pursue careers in science and technology.

Dr. S.M. Yusuf, Director of BARC’s Physics Group, highlighted the MACE telescope's importance in advancing India’s capabilities in space and cosmic-ray research. A pictorial compilation documenting the MACE project’s journey was also released.

The MACE telescope, which observes high-energy gamma rays, will contribute to global research on phenomena such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. Dr. Mohanty also noted that it aims to foster international collaborations, strengthening India’s role in multimessenger astronomy. 

Local leaders, the school headmaster, and the lama of the Hanle Gompa were felicitated during the ceremony.
Agencies