Reaching for the Stars: The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory Opens and Advances Space Research

After a 26-year planning and construction process, the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) has recently opened. Located on Mount Chajnantor in the Atacama Desert of Chile, TAO is a 6.5-meter optical-infrared telescope that holds the title of being the highest telescope in the world at an impressive 18,500 feet above sea level.

The extreme altitude of TAO provides several advantages for space research. For instance, there is significantly less moisture in the air at such high altitudes, allowing TAO to observe a wide range of near-infrared wavelengths, including mid-infrared. This unique capability sets TAO apart from other earthbound telescopes and allows researchers to study celestial objects in greater detail than ever before.

One of TAO’s primary objectives is to contribute to the study of the birth of galaxies and the origin of planets starting in 2025. In addition, TAO is expected to enhance observations made by nearby ALMA telescope by allowing researchers to view the same objects in different wavelengths, providing new insights into these celestial bodies.

However, working on TAO presents challenges for human workers due to its extreme altitude conditions. Yuzuru Yoshii, the principal investigator of the project since 1998, highlighted that construction workers on the telescope project required regular medical checkups and oxygen inhalation to work safely at such high altitudes.

Overall, TAO represents a significant milestone in space research and will undoubtedly contribute greatly to our understanding of the universe for years to come.