International Liquid Mirror Telescope

Astronomical telescope in Uttarakhand, India

The International Liquid Mirror Telescope is a 4-meter telescope in Uttarakhand, India. It is the first liquid-mirror telescope for astronomy in Asia and the largest liquid-mirror telescope in Asia.[1]

History

On 2 June 2022, the telescope saw its first light.[2] On 12 June 2022, it came online.[3] On 21 June 2022, it became ready to observe.[4] On 21 March 2023, it was inaugurated by Jitendra Singh.[5]

Mechanism

The telescope uses elemental mercury as its mirror surface.[6] The mercury is rotated about the axis of the telescope, and due to centrifugal force, takes a parabolic shape to focus incoming light.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Singh, Surendra (2023-03-22). "Asia's largest 4-metre liquid mirror telescope inaugurated in Uttarakhand". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  2. ^ Desikan, Shubashree (2022-06-02). "Liquid mirror telescope in Devasthal sees first light". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  3. ^ Williams, Matt (2022-06-12). "The World's Largest Liquid-Mirror Telescope Comes Online". Universe Today. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  4. ^ Waldek, Stefanie (2022-06-21). "World's largest liquid mirror telescope ready to observe". Space.com. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  5. ^ Madanapalle, Aditya (2023-03-21). "Four-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope in Himalayas inaugurated". News9Live. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  6. ^ Dixit, Mrigakshi. "Unique liquid-mirror telescope set to survey zenith in India". Astronomy Magazine. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  7. ^ Hazra, Dipavali (2022-06-04). "India commissions its first liquid mirror telescope: How will it work?". Times Now. Retrieved 2023-03-24.