Ladakh currently has the world’s highest Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) observatory in Hanle, located at an altitude of over 4,300 meters. This state-of-the-art imaging Cherenkov telescope, the largest in Asia, demonstrates India’s progress in cosmic ray and space research.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, opened the facility as part of the DAE’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The observatory, built entirely by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with backing from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited and other industry partners, represents a significant step forward in India’s scientific capabilities. During the occasion, Dr. Mohanty unveiled commemorative plaques honouring this important milestone in Indian astronomy.
Additional Secretary Ajay Ramesh Sule emphasised the importance of balancing tourism and scientific operations within the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve and encouraged youngsters to seek professions in science. Dr. S.M. Yusuf, Director of BARC’s Physics Group, emphasised the importance of the telescope in investigating high-energy gamma rays and phenomena such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.
A photographic compilation documenting the MACE project’s journey was produced, and local community leaders, including the Hanle village headmaster and the lama of Hanle Gompa, were honoured.
