BANGALORE (PTI): An optical telescope, the largest of its kind in the Indian sub-continent, is being developed to be installed at a strategic point in Himalayas.
Designed by the Indian institute of astrophysics, the telescope is strategically crucial to the country As the site selected is 4500 meters high Henle in southern Leh, at a Stone-throwing distance from three neighboring countries. Once the spot proves to be an apt Location for astronomical observations many countries may approach India for setting up their installations at the site considering its low residual atmosphere and height, Dr. Cowsik said.
The telescope, due to its strategic Location, could be used in observing troop movements across the border and infiltration in the border areas, he said.
The institute team was helped by the border forces and military units during the recent visit to select the site of installation, he said.
The institute would collaborate with other expert agencies in the field such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bombay, Babha Atomic Research Center, Trombay and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
On installation it could help astronomers in a wide-range of topics such as dark matter, neutrino physics and cosmology, Accelerator physics topics such as double beta decay, supemova and neutrino Starts, X-ray astronomy and gamma-ray astronomy are also expected to get a boost with the commissioning of the new telescope, However, the major field Which is expected to get a fillip is rapid the varying phenomenon.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 18, 1994
