MACE: Asia's Largest and Highest Imaging Cherenkov Telescope Inaugurated in Ladakh

The Department of Atomic Energy's (DAE) Secretary and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, formally inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory at Hanle, Ladakh, on October 4, 2024. The inauguration ceremony took place during the DAE's 75th anniversary celebrations. Dr. Mohanty revealed commemorative plaques at the Hanle location.

Situated at an altitude of almost 4,300 meters, this massive installation is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and the highest of its kind globally. 

MACE: Largest Imaging Cherenkov Telescope in Asia

The MACE was built in India by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited and other Indian companies. It is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia. Located at a high altitude, this telescope is unique. 

MACE Telescope is Located At

MACE is the world's tallest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located in Hanle, Ladakh, at an approximate elevation of 4,300 meters.

The telescope is placed at such a high altitude that it is ideally positioned to observe cosmic occurrences without any interference from the atmosphere. 

Significance of the MACE Telescope

The primary objective of the MACE telescope is to look at high-energy gamma rays. It is estimated that this will help scientists learn about some of the universe's most powerful events, like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. 

There is a social angle to this inauguration as well. The MACE project aims to promote international cooperation among different countries through science. It will strengthen India's role in space research, and improve its standing in the global scientific community. It will also inspire future Indian scientists to explore new areas in astrophysics. 

Overall, MACE will help improve India's abilities in space and cosmic-ray research, enhancing our understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

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